No ramp at polling station... again!

The polling station at Woolworth's Social Club

Disabled voters in Castleton were denied access to the polling station at Woolworth's Social Club on Gypsy Lane - for the second time in under two months - due to there being no ramp.

Prior to the local elections in May, when asked which polling stations were wheelchair accessible Rochdale Borough Council Communications Department said: "All of them."

This information was incorrect and left one wheelchair using voter having to flash his headlights and beep his horn to attract the attention of the polling station staff, who then had to bring a polling slip and ballot box to his car.

The Council was informed and a communications team member said: "Thanks for this info and the photos. I have passed that on to the Elections Team. They are going to make sure there is a ramp there next time."

There wasn't and again the man had to attract the attention of the polling station staff on order to vote.

The man said: "It should not be beyond the Council to ensure all polling station are accessible."

Disability charity Scope says: 'The Electoral Commission advises that polling stations must ensure that disabled voters are not offered a lower standard of service than other voters. Polling stations must make reasonable adjustments to practices and procedures so that disabled people are not disadvantaged in any way.

'The polling station should be accessible for all. Officers should know how to install and check temporary and secure low gradient ramps. No obstructions or hazards should block your way.'

http://www.scope.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/general-election/voting

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council’s elections’ office said: “This was a mistake, it shouldn’t have happened and we apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced. Polling stations should be as accessible as possible for all voters. At the next election, Woolworth’s Social Club will have a disabled ramp in place."