Frustrating that Signage needed improving to highlight step free entrance
3
3
Date of visit: August 2019
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Average
Next is a chain store. This branch is at 11 Strand, near Trafalgar Square.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
I went to enter the shop via the Strand entrance but there was a large step and on the ground floor was the men's section with staircase with handrail on both sides leading to the ladies' department. I wasn't feeling very well that day and I felt the stairs and my crutch was too much so I walked out of the shop. As I walked towards Aldwych I walked passed Charing Cross Station and I noticed that there was an other entrance step free into the ladies and children's department of Next.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
There are lots of buses that spot almost directly outside this branch. The nearest tubes Charing Cross, Embankment and Leicester Square are not step free.
Accessible Toilets
0NA
Staff
Excellent
At the cash desk I mentioned to the member of staff that it would be helpful if there was a sign at the Strand entrance saying where the step free entrance was. He said he would pass this onto the manager. When I went back to the Strand entrance to photograph it for Euan's Guide someone entering the shop, stopped to talk to me. She was a member of staff and took on board what I was saying and said when she sees customers with prams/ wheelchair users she directs them to the other door. Again point was taken that signage would be helpful.
Additional Information
Next better signage please. This is very frustrating. In this case there is a step free entrance but lack of signage to it could be putting off disabled customers. It's something very easy to rectify. If you have step free access you should be shouting about it.
