Wells is seeing meaningful and lasting improvements to accessibility thanks to joint working between Accessible Wells, Wells City Council, and Somerset Council.  These changes represent not only infrastructure improvements, but a shift in culture, placing accessibility and inclusion at the heart of city planning.

Tangible Improvements Already Delivered

• Physical barriers have been removed from pavements and public spaces where possible.
• Dropped kerbs have been installed at eighteen key locations to improve mobility and independence.
• Twenty businesses have signed up to make their disabled toilets freely available to any disabled person.
• Some businesses have started to improve accessibility by adding a doorbell at wheelchair height and making a ramp available.

Projects now being progressed

• New project teams have started working towards eliminating the hazards of dog fouling; improving bus stop accessibility; and reducing pavement trip hazards.
• Introduction of additional 20mph zones to reduce risks, particularly where wheelchairs users must mix with traffic.
• Restoring audible signals at a few traffic lights (where safety permits their use).
• Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) to reduce vehicle speeds and improve overall safety, with possible establishment of a Wells Speed Watch Group.
• Loading bays and disabled parking bays to be better situated to serve those who need them.

Focusing on the future

• Creating circular footpath and inner-city routes to enhance connectivity and usability for people of all abilities.
• Improving accessible active travel routes linked to the Strawberry Line.
• Continued engagement with shops and hospitality venues to support inclusive access improvements, including safe deployment of outdoor café furniture.
• Advertising A frame management to reduce hazards.
• Addressing the rapidly deteriorating Market Place cobbles.
• More communication and education materials to help people understand what is needed and the difference they can make.

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Partnership Working

• Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding