{"id":1973,"date":"2017-09-21T14:28:50","date_gmt":"2017-09-21T14:28:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growmat.eu\/?p=1973"},"modified":"2019-02-27T14:30:14","modified_gmt":"2019-02-27T14:30:14","slug":"chester-the-most-accessible-city-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growmat.eu\/fi\/chester-the-most-accessible-city-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Chester: the most accessible city in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hide-on-mobile\">\n<header class=\"content__head tonal__head tonal__head--tone-news \">\n<div class=\"tonal__standfirst u-cf\">\n<div class=\"gs-container\">\n<div class=\"content__main-column\">\n<div class=\"content__standfirst\" data-link-name=\"standfirst\" data-component=\"standfirst\">\n<p><em>Spending some time on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\">THEGUARDIAN website<\/a> we came across the following article which amazed us. That is why we give it to you exacty as it was written! Big thanks Frances Ryan!!!<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>For disabled people, the difference between being able to visit a place and not often comes down to small details. Cities around the world are taking notes from the ancient centre of Chester.\u00a0<strong>Frances Ryan<\/strong>\u00a0experiences it for herself<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content__main tonal__main tonal__main--tone-news\">\n<div class=\"gs-container\">\n<div class=\"content__main-column content__main-column--article js-content-main-column \">\n<div class=\"content__meta-container js-content-meta js-football-meta u-cf content__meta-container--showcase content__meta-container--twitter \">\n<p class=\"byline\" data-link-name=\"byline\" data-component=\"meta-byline\">By\u00a0<a class=\"tone-colour\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/profile\/frances-ryan\" rel=\"author\" data-link-name=\"auto tag link\">Frances Ryan<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"meta__twitter\">\n<div class=\"contact hide-until-leftcol \" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><time class=\"content__dateline-wpd js-wpd content__dateline-wpd--modified\" datetime=\"2017-09-20T07:30:39+0100\" data-timestamp=\"1505889039000\"><\/time>A step up to a restaurant and no threshold ramp in sight. A pub with its function room upstairs, making attending a friend\u2019s birthday drinks impossible. A kerb that hasn\u2019t been flattened, essentially imprisoning you in the road.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content__article-body from-content-api js-article__body\" data-test-id=\"article-review-body\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To a wheelchair user, such as myself, some cities can feel like no-go areas. Moving around Durham and its seemingly endless cobbles and hills can be a nightmare for people with mobility problems; it\u2019s the same in Bath. And I have spent years paying \u00a340 for a taxi ride when working in central London because the tube is still largely inaccessible to wheelchairs. In Brighton, with its narrow lanes and frequent steps, I often can\u2019t find a suitable restaurant.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-2 | 1\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-news--item \">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__image-container u-responsive-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/95f46c3891e5e016d3e45d10ed63368a705d9a43\/0_334_5100_3059\/master\/5100.jpg?w=460&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=55ebd1c8e947306a24dd6e5e41cf775f\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__header\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__read-more\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\u2019s the same the world over. Disabled tourists must often pay over the odds for accommodation because they need large, wheelchair-accessible rooms; Paris\u2019s enormous kerbs are a menace. And eight out of 10 disabled people say they struggle when holidaying in the UK, according to research by the\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leonardcheshire.org\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Leonard Cheshire Disability<\/a>\u00a0charity published this month. It highlights issues with everything from finding accessible hotel rooms to access to bars, restaurants and sightseeing spots.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So when Chester was\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"http:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/social\/main.jsp?catId=1141\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">crowned the most accessible city in Europe<\/a>\u00a0this year \u2013 the first time in the seven-year history of the Access awards that a British city has been named \u2013 it came as something of a shock. The ancient city, famed for its extensive Roman walls and Tudor-style half-timber shopping quarters, is perhaps not an obvious contender for modern disabled access.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-2\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\">\n<div class=\"u-responsive-ratio\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\/0_192_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=4fc0d90756ce383119f77dd3c22feb0e 1240w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\/0_192_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=b6d6e8f1d10e64b21befe92c55005a17 620w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\/0_192_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=acf6d8ebf1c0808137121993754df42a 1210w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\/0_192_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=1611a74597807a2f7890ff035fb47cf9 605w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\/0_192_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=4d5a9a8a52ac9b5696a1b0bc829253f8 890w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\/0_192_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c20d7f73670e888be77b160db706a5cc 445w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"gu-image alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0fc5fa0f990cd7c2723f0b6689c50c2f232283d5\/0_192_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=300&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=175afd6b7b182bb0a63a3b87577d5eae\" alt=\"Frances Ryan Accessible chester feature\" width=\"487\" height=\"292\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"block-share block-share--article hide-on-mobile \" data-link-name=\"block share\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re not a city that has suddenly said: \u2018Let\u2019s make this accessible,\u2019\u201d says Graham Garnett, access officer at Cheshire West and Chester council, and the architect of the Access award bid. \u201cIt has been a commitment over many years.\u201d He says it was this long-term approach that caught the eyes of the European judges rather than any big new developments.<\/p>\n<p>But with the accessible overnight tourism market now worth \u00a33bn (and day visits bringing that figure up to \u00a312.1bn, according to Visit England), it\u2019s clear that investing in accessibility is a prudent marketing decision. The \u201cpurple pound\u201d generally is worth \u00a3212bn a year.<\/p>\n<p>Chester can afford to make the investment. The prosperous city bustles with cafes and high-end shops. The famous walls alone \u2013 two miles of Roman, Saxon and medieval fortification that surround the city\u00a0<em>\u2013<\/em>\u00a0have seen an annual investment of \u00a3500,000 since 2009.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-3\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape element--showcase fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\">\n<div class=\"u-responsive-ratio\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=860&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=ade3dee0536fe32619cf2711725e0aa7 1720w\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 1300px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"860px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=860&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=e28c110ccdc135b7a9664f80d4e943df 860w\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px)\" sizes=\"860px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=780&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=771bed2e43d71937077361526a7ec5aa 1560w\" media=\"(min-width: 1140px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 1140px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"780px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=780&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=a95883cdf5e90c2d48153c361886b40e 780w\" media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" sizes=\"780px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=28f8a1f3f0417071e241650ee82b1b29 1240w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=cb6258cb220c051f97263af41073788c 620w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=c2f739cffa55520343636fa36ca3519e 1210w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=f81415ca8be6383ea702477311a5d25f 605w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=2bade0b65e46454d0155d1223018aba1 890w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=44b603e9ea2c9a508768346be2f5d585 445w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"gu-image alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6ad025d066e8591db317b22f6670e7f6db4c8fca\/0_0_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=300&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=56388a8d5a579064e23c253a2648fcb9\" alt=\"A hill slop gives easy access to Chester\u2019s famous walls.\" width=\"503\" height=\"302\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>In my wheelchair, I find I can easily gain access to the walls. A slope and short passageway lead to what feels like a rooftop walkway, lined with autumnal trees and cushioned by nature and history. Though the camber occasionally lurches me sideways<em>,<\/em>\u00a0I do not, to my relief, go crashing into the light railings, taking out the falconry and cathedral on the way down. The entire wall area is impressively wheelchair accessible. Where that isn\u2019t possible for heritage reasons, tactile paving and additional handrails are there for people with visual impairments or mobility problems.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element-rich-link--tag element--thumbnail element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link-tag\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-tag\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-news--item \"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>From here, wheelchairs are able to access the Rows, Chester\u2019s unique elevated walkways above its four main streets, which have enabled \u201cdouble level shopping\u201d since the 13th century \u2013 and are now 100% suitable for wheelchairs. It\u2019s a rabbit warren of access. Seemingly hidden passages, filled with fairy-light-strewn cafes, emerge almost magically into the high street. In total, wheelchair users now have 11 access points to the Rows.<\/p>\n<p>There are also tour guides, city centre access guides, signs and online help via the\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.disabledgo.com\/organisations\/cheshire-west-and-chester\/main-2\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">DisabledGo<\/a>\u00a0website. The two-tier shops and medieval atmosphere would impress anyone, but it feels particularly novel as a wheelchair user, and it seems fitting that the access has developed over time: the street-level entrances have been there for more than 100 years; ramps were added a few decades ago; a lift in a department store then gave even more access.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-4\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\">\n<div class=\"u-responsive-ratio\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\/0_0_5760_3840\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=955b095f68d120139187efd09d4855ee 1240w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\/0_0_5760_3840\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=a242bc12fd41324665bb06adab42171b 620w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\/0_0_5760_3840\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=f4ba9cf2dfc311a43b8c243c2db764d1 1210w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\/0_0_5760_3840\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=85eb4f4d75390decbb05571d40486cdd 605w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\/0_0_5760_3840\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=014534a785e300292f44ebc492bbe4a7 890w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\/0_0_5760_3840\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=5ce5b425f85fbf578614d47b7411351c 445w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"gu-image alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/cd9af15ee47a873bd993c090f28f53fe5171805e\/0_0_5760_3840\/master\/5760.jpg?w=300&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=001bfe9cf95c2f7971dc3598608f14e9\" alt=\"Chester\u2019s accessibility map.\" width=\"465\" height=\"310\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"block-share block-share--article hide-on-mobile \" data-link-name=\"block share\">But it\u2019s the seemingly mundane aspects of disability inclusion \u2013 transport and toilets \u2013 that probably gives Chester the edge over its competitors. All of the city\u2019s public buses are fully accessible. Council policy requires all of its licensed taxis to be suitable for wheelchairs. They must also include additional features, such as induction loops and colour-contrasted grab handles. The city has seven\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"http:\/\/www.changing-places.org\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Changing Places<\/a>\u00a0toilets, which include hoists and a changing bench for disabled people who can\u2019t use standard accessible toilets. And there\u2019s a council commitment to include one in any future renovation throughout the city. \u201cSpeaking to other [nations\u2019] reps at the award ceremony, they were so impressed,\u201d Garnett says. \u201cOther cities in Europe don\u2019t have that.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>As well as having a designated access officer since 2013 \u2013 a rarity in a climate of council cuts \u2013 Chester has had a corporate disability forum, where 16 disability organisations can challenge architects and developers about access plans. The recent \u00a33m renovation of Storyhouse \u2013 the new cultural centre, which includes a cinema, theatre and library \u2013 had disability access at its heart. It even has an accessible backstage for disabled performers.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the planning permission for the Northgate development, which will include shops as well as leisure and cultural facilities, hoteliers are required to provide two rooms with ceiling track hoists; they will be Chester\u2019s first.<\/p>\n<p>A visit to\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"http:\/\/www.chesterzoo.org\/plan-your-visit\/accessibility-for-disabled-visitors\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Chester zoo<\/a>\u00a0confirms its well-thought-out access: there is free entry for personal assistants and free disabled parking, as well as multisensory experiences for\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"http:\/\/www.chesterzoo.org\/plan-your-visit\/accessibility-for-disabled-visitors\/visually-impaired\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">visitors with visual impairments<\/a>\u00a0and advice for those on the\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"http:\/\/www.chesterzoo.org\/plan-your-visit\/accessibility-for-disabled-visitors\/autism\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">autistic spectrum<\/a>(such as guidance on finding quieter times to visit). I\u2019m able to see the animals from accessible viewing areas \u2013 lowered fences with transparent screens \u2013 and use a lift to access the tree-high \u201crealm of the red ape\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-5\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape element--showcase fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\">\n<div class=\"u-responsive-ratio\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=860&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=c2d28262f2493be55f1d048ec71366a4 1720w\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 1300px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"860px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=860&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=3ddf760625984f4075a137f045db8c9f 860w\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px)\" sizes=\"860px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=780&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=57d49f3e6bd346f374ca26c307fccd94 1560w\" media=\"(min-width: 1140px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 1140px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"780px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=780&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=06aea5e04f6920072d7d9c6ee3998827 780w\" media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" sizes=\"780px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=22b2d36596130bd22d2d39cb4c4b95e6 1240w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=b8a19fbac1238d850b6fc88885c2cac2 620w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=dca948978987be13362df79899a12d82 1210w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=772014bab926a30483c187c2c34c60c5 605w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=eaf540c1e0a680e3d9881b11dfb7f79a 890w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=924f5babc62c75ea138cbc4792f86d49 445w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gu-image aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6f3218b54271008b016edb7358ccda5be9ff41e1\/0_88_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=300&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=7645d56a070b61aa55131fc683c58038\" alt=\"Frances Ryan about to take a boat cruise down the River Dee on the Lady Diana.\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"block-share block-share--article hide-on-mobile \" data-link-name=\"block share\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>And yet, for disabled people, the difference between being able to visit a place and not often comes down to seemingly small details. Garnett tells me of a conversation with a tourist who wanted to visit the zoo, but wasn\u2019t able to because she couldn\u2019t find a hotel nearby with a ceiling hoist. \u201cI investigated it and we didn\u2019t have any in Chester. But they informed me there wasn\u2019t one in Liverpool either. Or Manchester,\u201d he says. \u201cThe nearest hotel with a ceiling track hoist was in north Wales.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In fact, the toughest competition in the accessibility stakes isn\u2019t in the UK. Rotterdam, the runner-up for the award, has paid detailed attention to making public spaces accessible, ensuring walking routes have an unevenness no greater than 3cm, and encourages people to report problems by phone or online<em>.<\/em>\u00a0Under its \u201crapid repair\u201d scheme, the city will fix urgent complaints that affect access within 24 hours. It even boasts a wheelchair-friendly path to the high-water mark on the most accessible beach in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n<p>Axel Dees, the spokesman for Rotterdam\u2019s access bid, cites a willingness to work with different partners across the city, as well as knowledge of disabled people\u2019s needs as vital components to their success. \u201cAccessibility is for, and from, everybody,\u201d he says. \u201cWe build our city together.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"img-6\" class=\"element element-image img--landscape fig--narrow-caption fig--has-shares \" data-component=\"image\" data-media-id=\"d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\">\n<div class=\"u-responsive-ratio\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\/0_174_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=9015b220a5ac9059737a57500cd281a3 1240w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\/0_174_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=620&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=09e378d7b4e4cbb953e4b1c97b35c439 620w\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" sizes=\"620px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\/0_174_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=67a98adea7246d878adf79b6843a387b 1210w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\/0_174_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=605&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=f2895c8ff05a66ae0f866b6b23652cb2 605w\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" sizes=\"605px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\/0_174_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=20&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=d06bdcb7ebc0012ec071585e836dae60 890w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 0px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\/0_174_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=445&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=a2efed97af2e4e4cb39e8c9858a9b20b 445w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px)\" sizes=\"445px\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gu-image alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/d860144d824e7f0f487ad52588f0e40bb8c4efdd\/0_174_5760_3456\/master\/5760.jpg?w=300&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=b6e4826c72ead4db3a4d8f5d57332c5b\" alt=\"Frances Ryan uses a ramp to get on to the decking of the Lady Diana.\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The third-placed city, the Latvian spa town of J\u016brmala, mirrors many of Rotterdam\u2019s innovations. An 850-metre-long accessible trail links the city with the seaside, while reclining chairs and special wheelchairs for swimming are available on the shore. The city also provides tandem bikes for blind people and beach table tennis that features audible balls.<\/p>\n<p>It isn\u2019t only leisure facilities that impressed the judges. Skellefte\u00e5, a coastal city in northern Sweden, was given a special mention for its commitment to improving the working environment for disabled people. \u201cFor many years, access to work has been among the top political priorities in Skellefte\u00e5,\u201d says Alexandra Sundberg, the municipality\u2019s accessibility coordinator. \u201cWe have joined officials from several different authorities under the same roof to make it easier to support those far from the labour market, many of whom have a cognitive challenge.\u201d This approach starts early: the city\u2019s playgrounds have been upgraded to ensure that they can be used by all children, and young disabled people get priority for summer internships.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"element element-rich-link element--supporting element-rich-link--upgraded\" data-component=\"rich-link\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-2 | 2\">\n<div class=\"rich-link tone-news--item \">\n<div class=\"rich-link__container\">\n<div class=\"rich-link__image-container u-responsive-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/static\/sys-images\/Guardian\/Pix\/pictures\/2014\/10\/28\/1414505204132\/71b5d629-3582-4562-a6b0-17f1ac837c61-620x372.jpeg?w=460&amp;q=55&amp;auto=format&amp;usm=12&amp;fit=max&amp;s=d001b2c0fac044fda99aaf35aa2fd943\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__header\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"rich-link__read-more\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Chester, however, is not yet a disability utopia. The decking around the zoo is so bumpy for my wheelchair I feel seasick at one point. And after I head through the Roman gardens (a public park created to display a collection of Roman artefacts) and down a winding ramp to the Groves for a 30-minute boat cruise on the\u00a0<a class=\"u-underline\" href=\"http:\/\/www.visitchester.com\/things-to-do\/the-river-dee-p183251\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">river Dee<\/a>, I find I can\u2019t get down the boat\u2019s steps to the bar. But friendly staff ask \u2013 twice \u2013 if I would like anything, and a transportable ramp enables me to get on to the deck, a real rarity with a wheelchair.<\/p>\n<p>The award has placed Chester firmly on the accessibility tourism map: Garrett says \u201cdisability tsars\u201d across Europe are now coming to visit the city. \u201cWe\u2019ve had them from Dublin to Israel,\u201d he says. \u201cThey want to see how it\u2019s done.\u201d And as I go through the city, I\u2019m struck by a unique feeling: I\u2019m being included \u2013 like anyone else.<\/p>\n<p><em>Guardian Cities wants to hear from readers with a disability about their experiences of accessing cities \u2013 good or bad.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-213 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/neo.growmat.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/The_Guardian_logo_blue-300x53.jpg\" alt=\"The_Guardian_logo_blue\" width=\"300\" height=\"53\" srcset=\"https:\/\/growmat.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/The_Guardian_logo_blue-300x53.jpg 300w, https:\/\/growmat.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/The_Guardian_logo_blue.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spending some time on THEGUARDIAN website we came across the following article which amazed us. That is why we give it to you exacty as it was written! Big thanks Frances Ryan!!! For disabled people, the difference between being able to visit a place and not often comes down to small details. Cities around the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":830,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[55],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Chester: the most accessible city in Europe - Accessible Tourism for Seniors<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/growmat.eu\/fi\/chester-the-most-accessible-city-in-europe\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fi_FI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chester: the most accessible city in Europe - Accessible Tourism for Seniors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Spending some time on THEGUARDIAN website we came across the following article which amazed us. 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