Access for All.
Bartley Reservoir and its surrounding green spaces are a unique community asset that should be accessible and enjoyed by all. However, despite the Disability Discrimination Act being almost 30 years old the reservoir remains inaccessible, or difficult to access, for those with differing abilities and mobility needs. Examples include lack of seating in key spots, no drop kerbs, lack of pathways, no off-road access to the reservoir from Scotland Lane and Frankley Lane, and uneven surfaces.
Access for everyone, everywhere.
We can't pave everything over of course, and the area remains a natural countryside environment that should be preserved, but there are many things that can be done to improve the site, and this is at the forefront of our thinking when it comes to developing the reservoir area for all to enjoy. Our 'access for all' project will occur over 5 phases over the next 8 years.
Phase 1
2021-2022
Establish who owns what land around the reservoir and connect with key departmental figures. Ascertain how access to these green spaces can be improved for differently abled residents. Collect evidence to submit application to make 6 pathways legal Public Rights of Way. Make a request for dropped kerbs on the island outside King Edwards grammar and to add a pathway along the left of Scotland Lane from the island to the first parking space.
STAUS: COMPLETE - ALTHOUGH LOCAL COUNCILLORS HOLD BUDGET FOR DROP KERBS AND PATHWAY HERE, AND HAVE NOT CHOSEN OUR REQUEST FOR 2 YEARS.
Phase 2
2022-2024
Work with parks to level and improve Bromwich Wood pathways. Work with Parks to add raised footpath from Scotland Lane into Bartley Meadows (not through it). Works with parks to add raised platforms to cross ditches between fields from Bartley Sailing Club and the Picnic Area. Apply for grants to install benches along Bartley Meadows and fingerposts signs around the reservoir with distance measurements.
STATUS: PARTLY ACHIEVED - SO FAR.
Phase 3
2024-2025
Work with Parks to create a new formal entranceway on the Genners Lane pathway near the Sailing Club. Apply for a new Public Right of Way to be established along the left of Scotland Lane all the way to Frankley Lane. Request all stiles on Public Rights of Way be replaced with Motability accessible kissing gates.
Phase 4
2025-2026
Make application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a heritage pathway along the left of Scotland Lane all the way to Frankley Lane, so all the community is connected to their local heritage around them. For this to include heritage information boards and seating.
Phase 5
2026-2028
Work to have a pathway laid along the reservoir perimeter on the Picnic Area side from Scotland Lane to Genners Lane.