SAAP comments on out-of-order lifts & toilet provision in Thistles

One of the entrances to the Thistles Centre

SAAP has commented on the situation with lifts at the Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling that have been out-of-order since the flooding on June 24.

For two months, the lift in the T1 car park has not been usable, forcing shoppers to find their way to the lift located in the Marches car park. This is creating accessibility issues for wheelchair users, parents with young children and others with mobility needs.

Copy of the article that appeared in the Stirling Observer

In a statement provided to the Stirling Observer, which covered the story on 31 July, Robert Dick, chair of SAAP, said:

"It is regrettable that the lifts are out of action. We do hope that this issue is resolved quickly as it does make basic shopping opportunities difficulty for people with physical challenges, and it also means a loss of potential customers to the businesses there."

Accessible toilets

Robert added: "Further, the accessible toilet provision in the Thistles / Marches Centre has been extremely poor for many years, coupled with incorrect signage to the toilets there. Improvements would help with the social isolation facing many in our ageing society, and of course services are required to comply with the Equality Act 2010, so thought should be given to inclusion and ending indirect discrimination."

Changing Places toilet

Robert concluded: "A changing places toilet in the Thistles/Marches Centre is long overdue, and is a positive, if not essential feature in any town or city centre shopping facility, especially as incredibly, there are none in Stirling City."

A spokesperson for the Thistles apologised for any inconvenience due to the lift being out of operation.

Full story covered in the Stirling Observer on 31 July 2019