A service centre with access issues
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: May 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
We all love bureaucracy, right? Renfrewshire House is the "cooncil building" for Paisley, covering benefits, bins, businesses, blue badges and all manner of local government services. I tend to do as much as I can online these days, but I thought I'd pop by to scope out the access and see how easy it is for a wheelchair user to take care of business in person. The staff were great. but there is a major access issue.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
There's an incline on the way to the building, which is located at the top of a large staircase. To the right of the steps is a lift, which has been out of order since November 2023, 6 months, which is incredibly disappointing, and the main reason for this low rating. There's a ramp to the left of the steps, that doubles back at the top, it's a little steep so pushing in a manual wheelchair, or indeed walking up the ramp can be difficult. The staff explained that they would help anyone who needs it to get up the ramp - but I'm not sure how one would notify the staff, given that the offices are at the top of the stairs/ramp. Entering through to the public area there are steps and a ramp. The accessible toilet is located here. Much of the building is carpeted, which I find difficult to propel across in a manual wheelchair. There is an induction loop at the front desk.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Renfrewshire house has parking over 2 levels, I counted 14 accessible parking spaces on the top level. I didn't park at the building, so I can't account for the first level. There are two EV charging points to the right of the barrier on level 1. Additional parking can be found nearby on Cotton Street, which has both accessible and standard parking spaces. Abbey Close bus stop can be found on Cotton Street with several McGill's and McColl's services using this route.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The toilet is functional, though quite small. There's a grab rail to the side of the toilet seat and a low sink. The soap dispenser is mounted on the wall, and the flush is to the rear of the toilet. The red cord touched the floor, though it was behind a pipe.
Staff
Excellent
The staff I spoke to were helpful and quick to show me where to go. We didn't talk for long, but they were well-mannered and friendly.
Additional Information
It's disheartening that the lift has been out of order for so long. This is a public building for the citizens of Paisley, and many of them can't access it. I appreciate that things break down, but that lift should fixed as a priority. A working elevator would have elevated this review to a 4.5. The staff are great though.
