Rowan’s Ten-Pin Bowling Centre, Finsbury Park: 6/10
Lucy says: Had some good points. They had special frames so I could actually bowl. The bar staff spoke to me rather than to the people I was with. Thats rare. But the over-18 club area is on the second floor. Id really like to go there with my mates but theres no lift.
Terry Harrison, manager, replies: Disabled groups come here to bowl regularly, on Wednesday afternoons. Ill definitely look into the toilet door which is news to me and the ramps. Nobody has ever complained about the ramp before, but well find out. We can always build another. Im aware disabled people cant get to the top floor.
Burger King, Upper Street: 2½/10
Lucy says: They need a lift, better toilet, and lower counters and bins. They obviously didnt consult any disabled people at the design stage.
John Clarke, spokesman, replies: We asked RADAR (the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) to carry out a disability audit. We then implemented as many of their recommendations as possible in all our restaurants, including new seating, easier-to-read menu boards and ground floor lavatories.
In the Islington restaurant we have a number of regular customers who havent raised any of these points but we will look at these comments. Within the next six months, new seating will be put in in the Islington restaurant. The counters have to be a certain height because of security.
Screen On The Green Cineman, Islington Green: 6/10
Lucy says: There were no ramps at all, but we were offered help by the staff.
Herve Bournas, relief manager, replies: I remember Lucy. We helped her in. There are no ramps here and lots of steps so we carry people in wheelchairs. We usually recommend wheelchair users come with a helper and we let them in free. Its better if they phone in advance because we can reserve seats.
This is an old building with a small foyer and its really restricted. At the moment, we havent any plans to introduce ramps. Im not sure why. Youll have to speak to head office. We try to make it as easy as possible. (A message was left with head office but there was no reply.)
King's Head Pub and Theatre, Upper Street: 5/10
Lucy says: They arent encouraging disabled people to come by treating the disabled toilet as a storage cupboard.
Alan Villiers, bar manager, replies: A bike being in the toilet is totally out of order. Ill make sure it doesnt happen in the future. We have to have the door locked though because people abuse it mercilessly. Were going to try to get one of those card-swipe systems to make it easier. Weve made sure the toilet, the bar and the theatre are on the ground floor.
Sadler's Well Theatre, Rosebery Avenue: 7/10
Lucy says: The best of the lot, but could definitely do better.
Gemma Clarke, access officer, replies: Were really glad Lucy came to check us out and we would like to invite her back to visit backstage and give further comments.
Sadlers Wells is new and far from being ready. Weve been working with a group of 20 consultants with varying disabilities for the last four years. They helped us design the building and continue to work with us to improve it.
Bovis, who own the building, are working with architects to make final adjustments. Weve been trying to introduce new ideas like wider doors and special lifts but were having problems because builders have never made these types of things before.
Weve set up an access address book for disabled visitors and others with special requirements, which is free to join. Members get updates on building developments and discounts.
About the team
Report by editors, Clio Turton and Darell Phillip, both 17, Stuart Fletcher and Anna Chandwani, both 16, Camille Noriega, 15, and reporters, Gabriella Gay, 14, Chris Fletcher and Marvyn Benoit, both 13, and Daniel OBrien, 12. It was published in the Highbury and Islington Express.
