11 March 2010 Its not at all grim up north
Access Report- Manchester
So it’s the third time I’ve been to Manchester, and every time I come here, I love it that little bit more. A mini version of London I’d like to think. I believe it’s a bit more wheelchair friendly too. The annual NUS Disabled students conference brings us up north, together with the regional group meeting for the Northwest in Liverpool.
No matter how positive I can be about my first thoughts of Manchester, it wasn’t exactly a smooth ride getting up here. It was my first time away from the office for 3 consecutive days and the train didn’t exactly go to plan. APRS was booked almost a fortnight in advance, but due to delays at an MDC event, and challenges faced when attempting to get a black cab, we left less than 5 minutes for APRS to get sorted. Evidently we missed the train, but one of the customer assistants booked us onto the next train. We were told to wait in the foyer but 40 minutes later when the next train was about to depart there was still no one in sight! We had to make a dash for the platform and insist on someone-anyone- coming to assist. Luckily we got on. There are ramps on the platform so we may as well have done it ourselves!
So we get to Manchester at around midnight and are greeted by an unfriendly taxi driver- (what? never) he claims that I shouldn’t have waited at the taxi rank like everyone else, but instead I should have waited in an obscure corner where there is a heightened kerb. It would have been unlikely for anyone to see me there, let alone divert their route to pick me up!
We finally make it to the hotel- an IBIS which I have stayed in before. The room was small yet accessible and the bathroom had a wet room which was roomy, that is always my worry when booking hotels but I never have to worry with an IBIS. This is not an advertising ploy, its just the truth.
Wednesday 4th March 2010
The next day we attend the NUS Disabled students conference and meet up with the chief executive of Disabled Go. I was taken aback by his inspirational speech about his life. It was the way he didn’t sugar coat the bad bits, and was passionate about equality for all, that’s what got me going.
Thursday 5th March 2010
I had an explore around Manchester city centre, around the shops, bars and restaurants. We are staying on Portland street, which is close to Picadilly and Market Street. Much like London, the main street (Market street) has all the main brands, and is the most accessible. But this although much welcomed is also rather frustrating, because the giant corporations will carry on getting my money, but the smaller independent and sometimes more interesting shops ‘cant afford access’ and so don’t get my hard earned cash.
There isn’t much access into shops on the side streets, I see a Kareoke bar I’d really like to go in, but cant because there are a dozen steps to get down! I then later pass a really nice flower shop which looks like it has been newly refurbished, but there is no ramp.
I think its about time we educated these smaller businesses, because I later came across a few pound stores with make shift ramps. It can and will be done in a resourceful manner!
I take a trip through Market street and end up near The Wheel of Manchester (or as I say the Manchester Eye) This is accessible yet tiny. With an electric wheelchair you can squeeze another person in, but that’s all folks. It’s £5.00 and you can have someone accompany you for free-I think its worth it!
I then go towards the Arndale shopping centre and the Printworks. This is where there are accessible bars and restaurants, and its warmer than out on the main high street as its under cover. It was a really old factory but has been converted. I love how Manchester can combine old and new, and it got me thinking about listed buildings. If Manchester can turn a really old factory into accessible bars and restaurants, I think we need to find ways of making more old buildings accessible. It is understood that much is dependent on the grade of the listed building, but I feel there are too many times when people use the listed status as an excuse!
Later Bobby and I visit Lauren West, a Trailblazer studying at the University of Manchester. We met at the Parliamentary event in December but I got to know her a little better this time! She led a campus tour, showing us the Students Union, Library and new Lecture building. It was an informative yet fun day.
We go to La Tasca in the evening, a tapas restaurant in Deansgate. Its lovely inside, and they have salsa dancing in the basement- I cant dance that well but love salsa! It’s a shame they don’t think we need to get downstairs to watch!
Friday 6th March
We have the Northwest Trailblazers meeting in Liverpool. Its exciting because it’s the first of its kind up in the north west. I don’t bother booking APRS on my return journey as it doesn’t make a slightest bit of difference. I feel more apprehensive not booking when im travelling alone and not going to the end destination, but the people in Liverpool were really helpful. They said just get to the platform and someone will assist. The driver himself takes note of my end destination, gets out and helps me off himself!
By the time I get back to Manchester from Liverpool I have 30minutes before my train to London! Cutting it fine as usual, but at least I made it. I have had an enjoyable few days!
1 Comment
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Bobby Ancil replied on 15 Mar 2010 at 16:16Report abuse
Yay Tanvi!
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