Pilot scheme for disabled launched in Alcudia

Alcudia Council is one of four Majorcan local authorities which is carrying out a survey of access for the disabled and facilities in public buildings. The inspections are part of a pilot scheme devised by the Insular Council of Majorca and is being carried out by Insular Council engineers. The aim of the study is to remove all architectural barriers from public buildings which hamper access for the disabled and to improve facilities. Alcudia is the first municipality where the inspections are being carried out with the assistance of two disabled members of the association ASPROM. All accesses to churches, libraries, the new auditorium and various offices are being put to a practical test with the assistance of the association for the disabled. While in Alcudia a number of buildings remain to be inspected, it has already been established that access to the majority of the municipality's public buildings is difficult and complicated for the disabled. A number of streets have also been set aside for attention. It has also been established that many of the newly built buildings, which should have been erected and designed with disabled access and facilities, have failed to make the grade. Inspectors have found a lack of ramps and lift facilities.