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Delight as new lift makes life easier
A DISABLED mobility scooter user can now get to Corby Library for the first time in eight years after a new lift was installed as part of the Willow Place development.
Hugh Kinnaird, 60, of Burns Drive, Corby, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, has paid tribute to town centre owners Land Securities for installing the lift which makes it possible for people in mobility scooters to get to the town's library.
The lift, which connects Queen's Square with the walkway above, is big enough for a scooter to fit in and also has exit and entrance doors so users do not have to try and turn round in the lift.
He said: "I never thought I would see the day when I would get up to the library. It's really good. I can even get the scooter around the library easily.
"I didn't think I would get to see the library again.
"I really want to thank Land Securities for this."
He said that the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 does not mention mobility scooters, but that "in the spirit of the act" Land Securities had installed a lift which could be used by people who use mobility scooters.
During the summer, he and other scooter users met the company's bosses to discuss access for disabled people in the new Willow Place.
Mr Kinnaird has been disabled for about 10 years. At first, he was in a wheelchair and could use the lift in Chisholm House to gain access to the library.
When he started using a scooter eight years ago he could no longer use the existing lift which was virtually impossible to manoeuvre in and out of.
He is now able to visit the library again and pursue his interest of
research into disability rights.
Marketing manager of Land Securities Danielle Charles said: "We held discussions with a group of scooter users to make sure they could get in and out of the lift comfortably.
"Centre director Dan Pickard went back to make sure the lift was big enough for the scooters which were bigger than we thought they would be.
"This standards for the lift were set by Land Securities."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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