This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors. Access Statement for Ramsgate Tunnels

Introduction Ramsgate Tunnels is a visitor attraction consisting of a Victorian railway tunnel and part of the UK’s largest civilian air raid precaution shelter. Entrance to the tunnel system is at sea level in Marina Esplanade alongside Ramsgate Main Sands. Entry to the tunnel is on the level and there are no steps to negotiate. As we only opened in July 2014 we have not yet joined the Visitor Quality Assurance Scheme. Entry to the Tunnels is on the level with wheelchair friendly rubber matting over the gravel surface outside the entrance. The main public assembly area inside the railway tunnel is smooth tarmac. The floor of the smaller ARP Tunnels used for part of the guided tours is very much as it would have been in 1940 and can be very uneven in places. We have a large wheeled wheelchair available should the visitor’s own be unsuitable, but it can still be hard going and a very bumpy ride for the passenger. Although the Tunnel surface is suitable for some mobility scooters they must be of the smaller type and have a ground clearance of at least 3.5 inches. See photograph in the photo section of this statement which shows a typical section of the deep level shelter tunnel. We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require assistance please telephone 01843 588123 or email [email protected] Pre-Arrival •

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The nearest railway station is Ramsgate, which is approximately 1 mile (1.6km) from the Tunnel entrance. Central Cars are one of Thanet’s largest taxi fleets and offer accessible transport from most locations – see http://www.centralcarsthanet.co.uk/ for booking information. The Loop bus service operated by Stagecoach East Kent offers a 15 minute interval service on weekdays and 30 minutes on Sundays. This service connects Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate Station with Ramsgate Harbour, which is approximately 300 yards (275 metres) from the entrance to the Tunnels. The walkway along the seafront from the harbour to the Tunnel entrance is smooth paving. There are no toilets in the Tunnels but there is a RADAR key facility in the public toilets about 50 yards (46 metres) from the Tunnel entrance. If this toilet

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is closed then the nearest public and RADAR toilet is at the eastern end of the harbour approximately 200 yards (183 metres) from the Tunnel entrance. At present we only offer this access statement as a downloadable pdf from our website or in hard copy form on application to the Tunnel Manager (01843 588123)

Car Parking and Arrival •

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There is no parking on the Tunnel site but there is a public car park about 25 yards (23 metres) from the entrance with several allocated disabled bays. At the time of writing this statement disabled parking is free in Thanet District Council car parks. There are ticket machines for the car park adjacent to the bottom of the multi-coloured steps. There is a proper footpath path from the entrance to the Tunnels to the car park. There is a drop off point directly outside the Tunnel entrance but no drop kerb. There are no steps or handrails to the main entrance from the road. Entrance to the Tunnel reception area and café is through large double gates, which are open during the Tunnel open hours. See photo section for car parking and entrance details.

Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area •

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The main entrance, reception and café are directly accessible from road level with no steps. The floor is smooth tarmac with there are no pinch points. The reception area is well lit with emergency lighting in case of power failure. The payment / information desk is standard height. There are no glass screens (see photo section for details). There is currently no hearing loop facility. We have a large-wheeled wheelchair that is available by pre-booking to 01843 588123.

Attraction (displays, exhibits, rides etc.) • • • • •

All attractions and displays are accessible by disabled people. Tours are guided by experienced guides and shepherded by another guide. Radio contact with the Tunnel manager is maintained at all time. Our guides are all experienced and custom their tours to suit the needs of the tour group (maximum size 30 people). At preset there are no background sounds or music. There are no flashing lights. The minimum width in the Shelter Tunnels is 4ft (1.3 metres) (for about 10ft (3.1 metres)), other than that it is 6ft (1.9 metres)

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There are benches at intervals through the tunnels, which may be used for resting if needed. The floor surface is as described in the introduction to this statement. There is lighting in most of the tunnel system, and visitors are provided with torches or lanterns for any unlit sections. Lighting is provided by LED bulbs.

Public Toilets •

There are no public or staff toilets in the Tunnels. The nearest toilet is approximately 50 yards (46 metres) from the Tunnel entrance. The toilets are on the level with no steps. A RADAR key facility is available.

Catering •

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We have a small café within the Tunnel reception area serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and home made cakes. An allergy notification notice is displayed. The area is well lit and tables and chairs are provided for patrons. The service is counter service for able bodied or table service if required by disabled visitors.

Shop(s) •

At present we have no fixed shop. A standard height, folding table is provided to display a range of souvenirs alongside the ticket desk.

Additional Information •

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We have an in-house training facility to train our volunteer guides and a close eye is kept on them to ensure the level of disability awareness they show is at a suitable standard. All guides are trained in evacuation procedures, and are in radio contact with our control desk. Should anyone need to be removed from the tunnels due to claustrophobia, ill health or tiredness we have a back-up guide on each tour available to assist them out of the tunnels using, if necessary, a wheelchair kept midway through the tour. We do not allow dogs in the Tunnels except trained assistance dogs. A bowl of water is provided by the cafe staff at the entrance/exit gates. We use clear BS standard signage where required. We do not have facilities to charge mobility scooters. A list of local accommodation with details of their access statements is available from the VIC in Harbour Street or online at www.visitithanet.co.uk

Future Plans •

The Tunnels is a continually evolving project but we do not expect any alterations that will depart from the terms set out in this access statement.

Contact Information Address (Inc postcode):

The Ramsgate Tunnels Marina Explanade Ramsgate Kent CT11 8FH

Telephone:

01843 588123 / 07419 762 373

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.ramsgatetunnels.org

Hours Of Operation:

Wednesday to Sunday inc, Tours 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm (there is no 4pm tour from November to March)

Manston Mobility, 3b Westwood Business Centre, Strasbourg St, Local Equipment Hire: Margate, CT9 4JJ 01843 598620 Local Accessible Taxi:

Central Cars/Thanet Taxis 01843 333 333 http://www.centralcarsthanet.co.uk/

Local Public Transport:

Stagecoach East Kent, South Eastern Trains & South Eastern High Speed.

Photographs Showing proximity of car park

with disabled spaces to Tunnel entrance.

Entrance to Tunnels showing mobility matting over gravel

entrance. The Tunnel tarmac

floor can be seen just beyond the matting.

Admissions desk and souvenir sales table.

The main deep level shelter

showing clearance and floor type.