I thought you might like to read these comments from this CLLR today posted on facebook.
I'd love to see the lift open and in operation year-round, and officers of the council have looked into the possibilities and there are cost implications due to the requirement to employ additional staff to open and close the lift during the winter months.
Additionally, officer advice is that the continuous operation of the lift during inclement weather would almost certainly cause additional wear-and-tear on the engine/mechanisms resulting in frequent breakdowns (and associated repair costs) and shorten the lifespan of the lift.
At TDC, we're doing all we can to improve the public realm (anti-graffiti teams, toilet renovations etc.) but the council has to prioritise spending in order to meet our statutory duties over and above anything else.
That's not what I said is it.
I actually said that if the money was there - it'd be great to have the lift in operation.
But it's not.
We have however - have the ability to invest in other areas and are building a new fully accessible toilet block on Stone Bay. These will be the first new toilets build by the council in Broadstairs in decades and signal our administration's values in improving accessibility for our disabled residents.
We also approved budget for the construction of boardwalks (similar to Broadstairs) for both Margate and Ramsgate and are looking at improving the accessibility of Pierremont Park.
This is all capital expenditure.
Putting the lift into year-round operation would require budget to be taken from the council's general fund (used for everyday spending). Unfortunately years of local govt cuts, coupled with matters out of TDC control (i.e. increased demands on temporary accommodation) mean that the council is on the back foot when it comes to discretionary spending - and this wouldn't represent an efficient use of budget.
My response
Kristian Bright Again you mention toilets, I agree this is a great step forward for Stone bay...... But I really don't like your words " this wouldn't represent an efficient use of budget" accessibility is not something to be used in conjunction with these words. Does TDC even consider disability within its decisions clearly not as money outweighs a persons disability. Under the Equality Act 2010 there is a section ... Indirect Discrimination: Implementing a policy or rule that applies to everyone but disadvantages people with a particular disability, such as an inaccessible workplace policy. You mention access to Pierremont Park, what is different between the Lift and the park????
Further comment
Kristian Bright to Hi Barry Stickings Mbe - the money for the skatepark is part of the govt levelling-up money given to Margate so this shouldn't be a point of comparison.
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Barry Stickings Mbe to Kristian Bright that’s fair enough but why is Broadstairs always second best … you always mention toilets, graffiti etc but never refer to the rights of people with a disability, elderly or those that need to use the lift. Cost should not be a factor. I just get so annoyed with TDC, who is the officer who decided this against cost and what factors and figures and who advised the council.
Lifts operate inside and outside all over the world and suffer wear and tear. I will not give up it’s important because disability is not something that is there just for summer. TDC need to address this as you are leaving out a section of the community that need this access. Have you or any councillor tried to go up and down the slopes to reach the lower level in a wheelchair? Or been blindfolded and like my son and try to negotiate the narrow footpaths .. I think not. As you can gather I am extremely annoyed at your usual response. I also feel it’s shameful that when I attended the TDC meeting you can only put your question but not answer the reply from the council. Not a fair system. This will continue ..
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Kristian Bright to Barry Stickings Mbe I'm not sure I understand your point about Broadstairs being 'second best' - because that's certainly not the case. Ramsgate and Margate have been given significant sums of levelling up money because they contain some of the most deprived areas in the country.
Again though - this additional money is for capital projects and not for the day-to-day running of services.
The council does recognise that Broadstairs hasn't received additional money which is why I brought a motion to the council asking that a portion of the Pride-in-Place Impact Funding is allocated to our town.
I'm please to say that my cabinet colleagues have agreed and there will be additional capital spend allocated to Pierremont Park - including improved accessibility.
During my term as Mayor of Broadstairs & St. Peter's, I did actually go for a walkabout with Christine from Access Thanet and her friend to see for myself how inaccessible our narrow pavements etc. were so yes - I am aware of how challenging our streets can be.
Please be assured that I am in no way trying to diminish the lived experiences of our disabled residents - but I have to be really transparent with you on just how little discretionary spend the council has.
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from Barry Stickings Mbe Please see my reply to you on the Broadstairs page.... Is the lift not as important as the park for accessibility to give those who love Broadstairs all year round access to our Broadwalk towards Stone Bay and Gumption Gap. Are you not getting the point that disabled, elderly and others who need to use the left NEED IT ALL YEAR not just our community and visitors. And not just in the summer. I really feel that TDC do not listen.
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Steve LewisThey should be open 24/7. Do disabled people only come outdoors during certain specific hours?