Making Hebden Bridge Accessible to All

The flood defence measures put into place following the Boxing Day floods of 2015 impinged upon access, already limited by the hilly, Victorian and quirky infrastructure of the area. Our pilot project ‘Making Hebden Bridge Accessible to All’ in 2017, emerged to help the local economy recover from the Boxing Day 2015 floods and to promote Hebden Bridge as an exemplary town for access for those with disabilities and access issues.

We worked in partnership with local organisations, businesses and forums in Hebden Bridge where we were able to provide over 40 audits and training leading to access improvements throughout this popular tourist town. This benefited businesses by improving the local economy, visitors, families and local people by improved access and hence enjoyment of the many attractions and facilities the town has to offer. We worked particularly close to the then newly formed Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum (HBDAF), a pan-disability group, to help raise awareness, inform and advise on access issues in the town. HBDAF continue today being active in improving access to life in general, in Hebden Bridge. The forum has developed an access map and guide for the town which can be found here.

On the success of our pilot project in Hebden Bridge, we were successful in gaining a grant from the Community Foundation for Calderdale to replicate our good work to the rest of Calderdale to the benefit of disabled people, their families, the local economy and community as a whole. Hence the Accessible Calderdale Project began in 2018

Case Study

Accessible Hebden Bridge by Nadia Clarke

Recently my mother asked me to join her on a day out and to blog about access in Hebden Bridge for the organization she runs called Visits Unlimited. I was very keen because I know it is important to show families with disabled children and disabled people where is good for access and to provide that information.

I believe it is important to show families with disabled children and disabled people where they can go on a day out that can offer them good access. Information on access is really important in order to make decisions on where to go.

The day started with a breakfast at the lovely, modern and accessible cafe called Squeeze. I met such friendly staff and they were so nice in making sure I enjoyed my food. I ordered a Veggie brunch. Definitely one of the most delicious vegetarian breakfasts I have had and the Latte reminded me of drinking coffee a few years ago in Sydney, Australia when I was on my world trip. I will be back for sure.