Access to the local village hall

EstherT

hello I want some advice. I turned up like many to vote yesterday only to find one of the double doors locked, to the smaller of two rooms. So I could not enter to vote. This was 5.30 pm. Luckily I had very helpful people assist me as I can walk with sticks a short distance. I have no idea if anyone else was unable to access, as I’m not the only disabled person in the village.
Is this legal? (I complained and someone came and opened the door a while later)

Plus I have been informed I may have to sign a waiver to enter this room in the future. As the toilet access is too small for a chair, despite being one in the main hall. I’m not sure if this is for an event like a fire? But feel it discriminating. At the moment this is only a proposal and hope they have the sense not to follow through. Can you advise? Thank you.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @EstherT.

Sorry you haven't had an answer to your question. I'm glad there were some helpful people to assist you but it's a shame it had to come to that. I have found this on our website https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/disability-discrimination-and-the-law#:~:text=The%20Equality%20Act%202010%20replaced,employers%2C%20public%20and%20private%20services. which should provide you some answers. It seems they should definitely have disabled access and I'm sorry that wasn't available for you.

Is there someone you can speak to at the village hall to have your concerns addressed?