Bracknell Time Square hit with disabled access complaint

Time Square in Market Street has served as the council offices since 2018 but closed due to the pandemic in March 2020.

Although the lobby for Time Square is open, all other rooms are closed to the public.

This had led to a complaint from a woman, from Bracknell,  about the lack of accessibility for disabled people who need to use facilities in Time Square.

It comes after the woman bumped into a deaf woman who was seeking help trying to acquire a bus pass.

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The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “The council offices are shut up, they’re using covid as an excuse. I was with a lady who was deaf.

“There was no way she could access any contact with the council.

“She wanted to get a disabled bus pass, but the only way for her to get to them would be to call the customer service number.

“I had to speak for her. I just found it really really bizarre. How can you access the council if you are disabled, blind or deaf?

“It’s absolutely astounding that there’s no way for people who can’t hear or see to use the council’s facilities.

“The only way she could get access is through me speaking for her through the telephone or contacting customer services.”

The complaint about accessiblity comes following a £604,000 upgrade to Time Square that was completed last November.

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A council spokesperson explained that the majority of council enquiries can be dealt with online using the council’s website, which they said has been designed for people to self serve and interact with the council without neccesarily needing to visit the offices.

For example, the website can be used to order a bin, arrange a bulky waste collection, or report issues such as faulty street lights or abandoned vehicles.

Alternatively, residents can call customer services on 01344 352000 or email: customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

For those who need face-to-face assistance, the council spokesperson said help can be found in public libraries.

Adding:  “Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Time Square has been closed to the public while the vast majority of our staff worked from home, in line with Government guidelines.

“This information has been made available on our website, social media channels and via e-newsletters to residents, as well as in our residents’ newspaper Town and Country.

“However, the lobby area has been open, providing a phone and contact information for various council departments.

“The public libraries are open across the borough and are able to support customers with their enquiries.

“If a customer calls customer services and requires face-to-face support, for example with a bus pass, then they are advised that support is available at the libraries.”

Waiting space at Time Square, Bracknell. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

The spokesperson explained that prior to the closure of Time Square in March 2020, all facilities for the public were on the ground floor level and a hearing loop was available at the reception desk.

Adding: “The ground floor of the building is accessible for wheelchair users with a ramp to the main entrance of the building.

“Currently, our aim is to re-open Time Square to the public in early April 2022.

“Once re-opened, the arrangements will be the same as pre-pandemic, with facilities for the public on the ground floor level and a hearing loop available at the reception desk.”