Essential works are due to begin on Monday 2nd June to remove the level access route from Henley Way to The Otherside at Welshmill. The decision follows a structural report which declared that the ramp is nearing the end of its life. An alternative level access route to The Otherside will be clearly signposted, although this will remove the level access circular route for the foreseeable future.
The accompanying stairs, which were also in use, had to be removed last year. The ramp has since deteriorated further, with significant rot rendering it unsafe. Due to budget constraints, the ramp cannot be immediately replaced. Instead, a new set of metal stairs will be installed as part of the works. Space will be reserved for reinstating a ramp in future, should funding allow.
Following the structural report, the site was audited by the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL) to gain valuable insight into access issues. Cllr Mark Dorrington said: “We’re committed to making Frome accessible and welcoming for everyone. Removing the ramp at Henley Way isn’t a decision we wanted to make, or that we take lightly. We’ve taken WECIL’s expert advice and are enormously grateful to their team. Their input has helped shape improvements to signage for the alternative route on the opposite riverbank, and we’ll also be implementing some of their recommendations to improve the riverside footpaths.”
Frome Town Council’s Environment Manager, Rob Holden, added “We know the lack of a ramp will disappoint many path users. Unfortunately, the technical requirements for installing a new ramp are significant – and so is the cost. The height difference at this location is about two metres, and for a ramp to be accessible, the gradient must be no more than 1:20. That means a 40-metre suspended aerial walkway. Supporting such a structure in a riverside location would also require substantial concrete foundations which is beyond our means.”
Works at Henley Way will begin on Monday 2nd June and are expected to complete by early July.
The West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL) is a Disabled people’s user-led organisation, with members who have a range of impairments and lived experience of the access barriers Disabled people face. Find out more at https://wecil.org.uk.
