Winchester pool criticised for lack of disabled access options

Beryl Easter told the Chronicle that the only options given to her by staff were to either be hoisted into the 50m pool or to use the smaller, 1.5m deep 20m ‘learner’ pool instead.

The 70-year-old, of Mount Close, Harestock, who has mobility issues, said: “I go to the leisure centre once a week to go swimming, I have been going since it opened.

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“When I was told that I would have to either be hoisted in or use the learner pool, I felt like I was being fobbed off. I don’t like being hoisted – it feels like I have to be made a public spectacle – and other people I have spoken to feel the same way.

“For a place which has the tagline ‘Active for everyone’, it feels disingenuous to not offer options that allow people to be comfortable.

Beryl Easter outside Winchester Leisure Centre (Image: Adele Bouchard)

“The quality of services offered by any facility should not discriminate against any people with mobility impairment. Everyone should have the same opportunity to participate in sports and fitness activities.”

Mrs Easter said that the leisure centre could offer alternative entry options, such as moveable graduated steps, a ramp or a pool pod – a type of platform lift.

She continued: “Other pools, like the leisure centre in Eastleigh, have these graduated steps, and they are really helpful. They mean that people like myself can get in and out of the pool independently, and if they need to use the pool for a gala or something they can be moved out of the way.”

Alison Lewis, area contract manager, said that the leisure centre's 20m pool is fitted with both a pool pod and graduated steps.

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She continued: “Prior to the 50m pool’s construction in 2021, thorough assessments were carried out to determine the most suitable accessibility solution. Options such as graduated steps were considered, but there are complexities with the moveable floor in this type of pool. Consequently, the decision to install moveable hoists was made to ensure safe access while accommodating the needs of our customers.

“However, we recognise the importance of offering a variety of accessibility options and respect the preferences of members who may not favour the hoist. Everyone Active is currently exploring funding options for additional solutions, including retrospectively fitted graduated steps that offer flexibility and can be adjusted or removed as needed.

“We appreciate the feedback from the community and our aspiration is to offer a graduated entry option for the 50m pool in the future.”