What is the Access Service?

We work to secure a fully accessible environment for the benefit of all and in particular those with mobility difficulties.

We give free advice to people on how they can best deal with mobility problems.


The service benefits:

• People with physical disabilities.
• People with sensory disabilities.
• Carers of people with disabilities.
• The elderly.
• The very young.
• Pregnant women.
• People temporarily injured.
• Parents with pushchairs.

What help can be provided?

We listen to the concerns of people and inform them of the assistance that is available and the rights they have.

We talk to shopkeepers, owners of other premises, managers of trains and buses, and taxi providers about how they can improve their facilities.

We talk to  Suffolk County Council to make road crossings safer and easier for people with disabilities.

We work with and help each local Access Group.

We have helped to establish the Waveney Countryside Access Trust which will carry out works to help people with disabilities enjoy access to the countryside.

We check planning applications and negotiate better facilities for modified and new developments.

We produce Access Design Guidance for developers and builders.

We do not directly provide equipment for people with disabilities but can advise which body to approach. This may include your doctor, hospital or County Council Social Services Department.

Suffolk County Council also administer the Blue Badge Scheme for motor vehicles. This gives special rights to park on highways and in some car parks.

Waveney provides keys to Disabled persons' toilets under the RADAR National key Scheme. These cost £2.25 and can be obtained from all Council Offices and Tourist Information Centres.

If you need adaptations to your home because of a disability the Housing and Environmental Services Department may be able to help you with grants.

How do I obtain the service?

You can arrange an appointment to see the Access Officer or contact him either:

• By telephone on (01502) 562111
• By post or in person at:

The Access Officer,
Waveney District Council,
Town Hall, High Street,
Lowestoft, NR32 1HS


For questions on grants for Housing Adaptations:

Telephone (01502) 523197

By post or in person:

Environmental Services Dept.,
Waveney District Council,
Town Hall, High Street,
Lowestoft, NR32 1HS

• The offices are open to the public between:
  8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
  8.30am - 4.30pm Friday

The County Council can be contacted

By telephone on (01502) 405000 By post or in person:

Suffolk County Council,
Clapham House,
Clapham Road,
Lowestoft, NR32 1QX.

If you have any comments on our service, our staff will be pleased to hear from you.

Our Access Service promises

We will:

• Arrange to discuss individuals' access requirements or issues
• Visit any Local Access Groups when requested to
• Maintain a library of information on Access issues
• Monitor Planning Applications and improve access provisions by negotiation with developers

You may also like to find out more from the Disability Rights Commission or by using the links on our Building Control related pages .