Disabled Fans Part II

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Some of which included one supporter who found it necessary to go all the way to Tesco`s to us their facilities, due to the lack and unsuitability of toilets at the vetch. I was also (on the web) told about Brian Rees the Community liaison officer of the supporters trust whose Duties include helping Supporter with disabilities.

I contacted Brian and offered my services as before I retired I was employed as a disability Employment officer (Mencap) attached to Carmarthenshire Social services and as such fairness to persons with disabilities is important to me. I approached Brian to find out what was being done to accommodate disabled fans. (Brian I felt is a man who cares and is eager to help) I volunteered my services to him, (which is limited by my health) so Brian, myself, and Debbie Rees, (Supporters trust Administration officer) visited the vetch looking at the facilities that were available. It was found that there are in effect several toilets available but not one was found to be suitable for disabled access. The one place that could have been is a (Disabled?) portaloo but the access was questionable and it is blocked (not been checked since Jan 02). It was considered how we could possibly improve what is or isn’t there. There were 2 areas considered for disabled toilets, but the best one I felt would be converting part of the 1st Aid room at the end of the Wing stand at the ground entrance. There is hot and cold running water, electric and heating already available. Conversion of this seems at first glance easier than any other option as the room is big and that part is not in use, so heres hoping. We also looked at the allocated area for disabled fans. It was felt that the canopy does not extend out far enough and there is no guttering so fans get wet and sometimes (due to numbers) not everyone can fit under. It was thought that this could be remedied by the 1st 3-4 rows of the wing stand being removed and a ramp put in to allow more room under a purpose built canopy. This would mean altering the stairway but as this area is made of wood this should not cause any major problems, although it would take a lot of work. All this depends now on a friendly builder that Brian knows and how feasible he sees this plan could be.

Now the bad news, although Brian said there should be no problems doing the alterations the funding for this has got to come from us, the fans. It may be possible to find funding but with only 18 months left at the Vetch finding funding may be difficult. All feasible suggestions were considered and Brian even suggested a challenge Anika type thing set to a time limit and with the help of local building merchants or D.I.Y stores (to help with materials) and publicity from the press this could work. We felt it was unfair on the fans to be again asked to put their hands in their pockets as some are unemployed and could find it difficult to find cash

But maybe during the summer breaks maybe some of you would like to volunteer to do a bit of grafting giving you something to do for the club it wouldn’t cost you anything but you’d be giving some thing to the club. Dates could be given to you later when it is known when we are going to start, but we need to know now if we can get the help that’s needed (you can always cancel later if the dates don’t suit you) We just need to know if there is any interest? Also Brian and Myself would love to hear from any disabled fans on any other problems they may want us to look into don’t forget by helping us you helping yourselves.

Just phone Brian on the trust telephone no 0797 738 2328 or

E-MAIL BRIAN at brian.rees@swanstrust.com

E-MAIL DAVE H at c.d.Hannan@ntlworld.com

Dave H

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