Accessing the past in Brontë country

After a full, revitalising facelift, Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park, West Yorkshire, has boosted its status as a central resource of local and social history for visitors of all ages and mobility levels – with the assistance of a Stannah Stairiser CR curved-rail platform lift. In action since the Grade II listed museum reopened in August 2010, the Stairiser CR wheelchair platform lift gives full access to the new community education room for mobility compromised schoolchildren and adult learners. Located on the first floor of a formerly disused area in a 16th-century part of the building, this new facility is ranged over two staggered levels. A flight of seven steps unites the areas, and the Stairiser CR assists user flow with simple, safe performance. Easily operated by the wheelchair user and/or companion, the Stairiser CR is fully automatic with electrically controlled folding platform and barrier arms. Ramps aid access to the platform, and rise to secure the wheelchair when in motion. The whole lift folds flush with smooth operating rail when not in use, leaving the maximum width of the stairway for pedestrian use. Museum Officer, Grant Scanlan, comments: “The museum has been transformed from the ground up. Former historic features have been revealed and restored so now there is a real sense of history in this landmark building. Part of the modernisation programme is total access for all visitors seven days a week, and the Stannah Stairiser CR has helped make an important education area available for everyone.” This provision for total access – just one of many improvements for visitor convenience and comfort – ensures that Kirklees Council meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

For more information on Accessing the past in Brontë country talk to Stannah Lifts