The Lower Castle Park - Inadequate Facilities For Those With Disabilities?

[eastsax]

Danny, I'm at the Castle Park as I type. Having looked around I note that the usual Members area is severely lessened because of the players T20 dugout. As the case is even with the usual space - is always full even for CC matches. I also note that there is no designated area whatsoever for non-Members with disabilities. Further, I could only see the one portaloo for those with disabilities,i.e. The usual one beside The Pavillion. All of this, if I'm correct, all seems totally inadequate for the numbers expected on Saturday.

Would you please confirm that all of the above is correct in terms of facilities . Thanks

[Starfish]

Good afternoon,

Based on T20 attendance to date, we believe the area next to the dug out to be adequate size for our disabled members and therefore suitable toilet space. This will be available for disables members and public.

The public area, we have positioned the seats so disabled members can locate themselves where they need too rather than a designated area. Hope this helps, thanks

[Valentines Park]

Perhaps it's time for cricket festivals to emulate music festivals.

That way you urinate wherever you feel like it.

Recreational drug usage would also probably aid the viewing experience.

[Andy]

Perhaps it's time for cricket festivals to emulate music festivals.

That way you urinate wherever you feel like it.

Yes, but it's a shame when it happens in concerts at the Bridgewater Hall...   

[eastsax]

Good afternoon,

Based on T20 attendance to date, we believe the area next to the dug out to be adequate size for our disabled members and therefore suitable toilet space. This will be available for disables members and public.

The public area, we have positioned the seats so disabled members can locate themselves where they need too rather than a designated area. Hope this helps, thanks

Thanks for the response. My experience regarding the first day of last years CC match was that the same amount of lessened space was nowhere near adequate so, therefore, I enlisted the help of a Committee member to get the space back to its normal length as was practical, that is, for the next days play. However, even if the will was there, it'd be too late for Saturday.

I'm still unsure if you are saying that there is another toilet besides the one next to The Pavillion ? Thanks

[Starfish]

Thanks, there is the one toilet for estimated 12 people

Thanks

[Valentines Park]

The game is a sell out and there's toilet facilities for 12 people?

It's going to end up muddier than Glastonbury

[Starfish]

That applies to the disabled toilet

There are plenty of others as well

[quincy]

Danny, I'm at the Castle Park as I type. Having looked around I note that the usual Members area is severely lessened because of the players T20 dugout. As the case is even with the usual space - is always full even for CC matches. Would you please confirm that all of the above is correct in terms of facilities . Thanks

This sound ominous.

A few questions for Danny.

 Exactly now many tickets have been sold?

 How many unreserved members tickets were sold and how many unreserved members seats are available?

 Will the seats be fixed together in rows or will they get spread around in the usual Colchester way.

 Can I claim a seat at 12.30 and go for a drink/food without some security person removing my bag?. If not why not?

Thanks

[Starfish]

Evening,

Just under 4,500 with hospitality sales. There are enough seats for every member who had a ticket in the members area.

Seats are designed to stay in the rows and blocks so we can fit as many in as possible, but they are not actually tied together

We are encouraging people to arrive early, we want people to enjoy the game. No issues with what you say. The ground looks fantastic I have to say, really looking forward to the games ahead this week.

Thanks, any questions from anyone re festival please ask away. Thanks

[quincy]

Thanks for that Danny.

[Diatribe]

 Can I claim a seat at 12.30 and go for a drink/food without some security person removing my bag?.

Shouldn't that be a task normally undertaken by nursie.

[jimmy]

Is the disabled toilet the usual inadequate size whereby there is no room for a carer to attend to the disabled person should they require assistance ?

[eastsax]

Is the disabled toilet the usual inadequate size whereby there is no room for a carer to attend to the disabled person should they require assistance ?

Unfortunately, yes.

Danny, I also know, is aware that the allocated space for those Members with disabilities and their carers this week is wholly inadequate, as it's  almost impossible to negotiate from the front - or near to the front - outward without causing a quite embarrassing upheaval in getting those behind to move in order to make room for wheelchairs, etc. to leave the area. Especially when an over is in progress. This is exasperated by the person with a disability often being accompanied by not just the one carer , but often 3,or more, others. A firm policy of one disabled person plus one carer needs to be strictly enforced to lessen what is already an unsatisfactory situation.

This is also often the case for limited overs matches on the raised platform at the ECG between the Tom Pearce stand and the T20 player's shelter. Although,hopefully, this situation will be better after the redevelopment. Although , as has often been said, perhaps an actual disabled person and/or their carer should be part the consultation process for any future developments.

[jimmy]

Evening,

Just under 4,500 with hospitality sales. There are enough seats for every member who had a ticket in the members area.

Seats are designed to stay in the rows and blocks so we can fit as many in as possible, but they are not actually tied together

We are encouraging people to arrive early, we want people to enjoy the game. No issues with what you say. The ground looks fantastic I have to say, really looking forward to the games ahead this week.

Thanks, any questions from anyone re festival please ask away. Thanks

I was told they were cable tied together