In tonight’s Evening News
http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/letters.cfm?id=1881592007
THE letter from James Rooney (Letters, November 24) somewhat misses the point of the lack of a lift at Leith Community Centre and the responsibility for correcting the matter.
He correctly states that disabled access is of the essence in all buildings, public or not. He also confirms that his clients accept that responsibility, but in making advances to the parties mentioned, suggests that his clients want to lay the operation of this function elsewhere.
The maintenance, cleaning etc; is a whitewash and is irrelevant when discussing the subject.
The alternative access routes do not adhere to the letter of the law concerning disabled access. People with walking difficulties cannot negotiate stairs and vehicular access is of no use in negotiating access to the building.
There is no mention of emergency evacuation of the building, which, even with the lift in operation, falls short of health and safety requirements - this being the sole egress point for disabled persons. Young mothers with children in buggies have to contend with the same situation.
Those involved in the alleged attempt to resolve this problem should meet those most affected by the shortfall at the location and witness the situation and facility in use - or not in use, depending on the time of day.
Offering the lift to the council as a gift is nothing more than crass dereliction of responsibility. If the running of the buildings in accordance with H&S regulations is a problem, they should not have taken up the role. The commercial aspects of the operation seem to be more important than the law.
If planning permission was being sought now without this facility, it would be refused. Why, therefore, is the access and egress now a matter for discussion? And why is the council, including Cllr Munro, who earlier had said that he would have the matter brought to the attention of the correct department, not now simply closing the facility until this matter is resolved.
The planning permission would have been for the site as a whole so, in closing the community centre, the retail outlets would also have to be closed.The current situation is an accident waiting to happen. What then?
Ilene “The Rat” Davidson gets into training for more lies and deceit. The latest saga to hit the news desk is “The Rat” claims to be a centre member through the badminton club, hold on a minute, why don’t the badminton club know who she is. A clear-cut case of lies and deceit. We already know “The Rat” does not stay or work in Leith now she is not attached or involved with any groups that use the centre. Yet again we ask WHY IS SHE CHAIRPERSON??
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