Access Statement

Springwells Access Statement

We are located in a beautiful 18th century style building, set in the very popular Steyning area of West Sussex. The following statement is a realistic assessment of the accessibility to our premises, for all our Guests and visitors. It would be fair at this point to state that the hotel has very limited provision for disabled and or wheelchair bound visitors due to the age and original design of the building.

There is a bus stop opposite the hotel entrance. The Bus (2, 2a, 20) run into Shoreham, and Brighton approx. hourly, and the journey time to Brighton is also approx. one hour. The pavement from bus stop to hotel is flagstone and brick with standard kerbs to road. The route is relatively flat, with usual slip/ trip hazards. The nearest mainline rail station is Shoreham-by-Sea. This is approx 15mins by bus and 10mins by car. Any problems or queries contact us: Email 01903 812446

 

Arrival & Car Parking

There is limited car parking for four to five cars adjacent to the premises. Priority would be given to guests with Disabilities if pre-advised. From the car park to the hotel main front door the ground is level slab and brick, no kerbs, and with minimal gradients. There is roadside parking available outside the front of the building, however this is public parking and availability cannot be guaranteed. The path to hotel door and road is stone slabwork, approx. 10 mtrs on a gradient. The front of the hotel and path are well illuminated during hours of darkness.

 

Main Entrance & Reception

The main entrance door is 90cm width and has a minor lip of 2cm. This is suitable for most standard wheelchairs and electric motorbility scooters. The main door entrance to reception is a carpeted hallway and flat with no steps. There is a fire exit to the right of reception, the door is 75cm wide with a 6cm lip, and this also leads to the car park.

Ground Floor Internal

The lounge and snooker room are situated off the main front entrance hallway. Both have double access doorways and are suitable for disabled/wheelchair use. 

 

Internal Staircase – Ground to 1st Floor

Due to the unusual layout of the staircases the following description is included in this assessment. The staircase is entered from the main hallway via a fire door. The stair risers height is 8ins The treads footspace is 9 to 10ins The stairs rise two steps then turn left 90 degrees two stairs at an angle. The stairs rise another 7 steps, then turn left again at 90 degrees. Two steps at angle to the 1st corridor. There is a fire door at this level that opens onto the stairs. The stairs are carpeted, and there is adequate lighting. There is a rope handrail to right side of staircase. These stairs are slightly awkward and care is needed!

 

Conservatory

The conservatory is situated up a short flight of steps ( 3 ) to the right of the reception. There is no access to this area for disabled/wheelchair bound visitors or guests. Although there is access from the conservatory to the rear patio, due to the external layout at the rear of the building there is no access for disabled users from the conservatory.

 

Ground Floor WC

There is a public WC, on the ground floor to the left of reception. These facilities are not to a standard as to be regarded as disabled facilities, however the entrance is level with the hallway and there is just enough space and accessibility for standard size wheelchair users. There are no additional handles or accessories for disabled users.

 

Bedrooms

All the bedrooms apart from one are situated in the main building on the first floor above the ground floor. Access to the bedrooms is via a carpeted internal staircase. There is no access to the bedrooms for wheelchair bound or guests with severe mobility problems. It should be noted that one of the fire exits is from the rear first floor bedroom, via an external metal spiral staircase, and only suitable for persons of good mobility. The staircases to the first floor are old fashioned in keeping with the style of the building. They are curved in places and not all treads are similar. Handrails are in place however extra care should be given to guests with visual impairments, or other mobility problems. There is one bedroom separate from the main building. This is accessed via an external wooden staircase, and not suitable for guests with disabilities.

 

Garden

There is a rear patio and garden at the rear of the building. This is accessed via brick steps from the car park. Again unfortunately there is no access for wheelchair/ restricted mobility disabled guests. 

 

Conclusion

The building has beautifully appointed unspoilt, old fashioned public and bedroom facilities, however it has very limited access for overnight accommodation for disabled guests. It is unlikely this will change in the near future. It must be noted that the management and staff also have an old fashioned traditional value of service, and would be more than willing to assist as much as practically possible any guest or visitor whatever their physical/audible/visual difficulties.