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Access Statement
OVERBROOK CARAVAN PARK, MALTONGATE, THORNTON-LE-DALE,
NORTH YORKSHIRE, YO18 7SE
STATEMENT OF ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS AND LOCAL SERVICES/PROVISION FOR THE DISABLED
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OVERBROOK CARAVAN PARK – ACCESS STATEMENT
Introduction
Overbrook Caravan Park is located on the site of the former railway station in Maltongate, on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Thornton le Dale in the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
As owners who reside on site, we pride ourselves on our friendly and helpful service and our willingness to go the extra mile to meet the diverse needs of our customers. We are always happy to give advice and assistance to customers with special needs, to ensure that they derive maximum enjoyment from their visit with us.
The camping park is for ‘Adults Only’ (over 18s) and the site is a member of the Tranquil Touring Parks network. (www.tranquilparks.co.uk)
Our guests fall into two categories – ‘Season site’ residents who occupy their own caravans on allocated pitches throughout the season, (March-Jan) and ‘tourers’ (caravanners or motor home users) who stay on an ad-hoc basis, usually by prior reservation. In both cases patrons use their own vehicles. There are no caravans, chalets or other structures or vehicles available on the site for hire or rental to the general public. (There are four holiday apartments in the former station building, known as Station House Cottages, which are the subject of a separate Access Statement.)
The site is flat and level, providing excellent access for patrons of restricted or limited ambulatory ability. It comprises 50 well-drained, hard standing pitches, half of which are occupied on a seasonal basis, the remainder being provided for touring caravans or motorhomes, There is no tent camping available. Please visit our website – www.overbrookcaravanpark.co.uk for photographs which clearly illustrate the level and accessible nature of the park
Public Transport
The nearest railway station is Malton, 8 miles from the Park. Taxis and a bus service to Thornton le Dale are readily available at Malton station. The nearest bus stop is approximately half a mile from the Park at Thornton le Dale Village Cross. Pedestrian access to and from the Park to the Village is via a flat, level roadway with a well-maintained footpath. However, as our patrons reside in their own caravans or motorhomes on site, invariably they arrive using their own transport.
Car Parking and Arrival
The Park’s access road is flat, level and well-maintained, and gives access without stairs to a ground-level reception area. In cases of severe ambulatory difficulty, a patron is able to drive to within several feet of Reception, and staff will be pleased to register the arrival whilst they remain in their vehicle. There is adequate temporary
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parking within 15 metres (50 feet) of Reception. to facilitate registration. There is no long-term parking at Reception and dedicated parking is provided at each camping pitch, so short-term parking for registration purposes is readily available and the provision of dedicated ‘blue badge’ parking has never proved to be necessary. Access to the site is via a card-operated security barrier easily operated by any driver without leaving his/her vehicle.
During the hours of darkness the Reception/communal facilities area is well lit. Low-level lighting is provided throughout the Park, consistent with the National Parks’ light pollution policy and therefore a torch is advisable for any guest with a degree of visual impairment.
Access from the Arrivals area to Reception is flat and level, no ramp or handrails are required. The Reception door has a clear opening width of 28 inches (70cm) giving access to a public area which is well-lit by fluorescent lighting and measures 9 feet (270cm) by 5 feet (150 cm), finished with tiled flooring and non-slip mats.
Registration formalities are invariably completed by telephone in advance. Should this not be the case, staff will be happy to complete the very simple registration formalities on arrival.
A magnifying glass, pen and paper (to aid communication) may be made available at Reception on request.
New arrivals are always escorted to their dedicated pitch, and such assistance as may be required in setting up their campsite is always offered by the very experienced owners.
Touring Facilities
Pitches are constructed of level hard standing for guests’ living vehicles (caravan or motorhome) and awning where appropriate. Each pitch has an immediately-adjacent grass area to provide a sitting area and dedicated car parking. Pitches are carefully allocated by booking staff to take account of vehicle type and the needs of each guest. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ site, so all staff are particularly aware of the need to meet individual requirements.
Communal facilities (toilets, dishwashing, electric hook-up, bins, fresh, grey access and disposal points) are clearly signposted. In addition these facilities are pointed out by staff to each patron on arrival, prior to being escorted to their allocated pitch.
There are three fresh water/grey water disposal points, at least one of which is no more than 50 metres (160 feet) from each touring pitch. Three bin areas are similarly located. A single chemical disposal point is allocated adjacent to the toilet block, (see below) as are dishwashing and vegetable preparation facilities.
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Toilet and Washing Facilities
There is one toilet block on site, approximately 30 metres (100 feet) from the nearest and 150 metres (500 feet) from the furthest touring pitch. Short-term parking is readily available within 10 metres of the toilet block.
The toilet block comprises separate male/female facilities and is close to reception. It is unlocked at all times and use is permitted even during cleaning operations. Access is via a shallow concrete ramp (no steps) and handrails are provided. There are no dedicated disabled facilities. Clear door opening width is 27 inches (68 cm). Space is limited due to the confines of the building and there is no clear wheelchair space beside the WCs. There are three WC cubicles of maximum clear floor area 6 feet (180cm) x 3feet (90cm) in each facility. Shower cubicles (3) are approximately 4’6” x 3’0 (135cm x 90cm). Showers are operated by waist-high push buttons. Each shower cubicle is furnished with a removable stool.
No alarm systems are fitted in the toilet block, but due to the proximity to Reception and other site facilities, a person calling for assistance is likely to receive a quick response.
The toilet block is well-lit at all times by modern, motion-activated LED lights. Floors are tiled and covered with non-slip mats. Sinks and showers are operated by ‘push-in’ taps.
Launderette
Modern, automatic, front-loading clothes washing and drying facilities are provided adjacent to Reception. Short term parking is available within 10 metres (30 feet). There is a single, low step (4 inches/10 cms) to access the facility via a 32” (80cm) wide door. Available floor area is 8feet x 6 feet (240 x 180cm). An iron/ironing board is provided in an adjacent facility (4”/10 cm step for access, entrance door width 32” or 80cm). The iron is reachable from a seated position and the board is adjustable.
The launderette is well lit by fluorescent lighting. Floors are tiled and provided with non-slip mats.
Grounds and Garden
The Park is flat and level throughout and has a single, continuous access road to all pitches, which is of level, smooth and of well-maintained hardcore construction. The minimum width of the road is 7 feet (210cms) and it is suitable for wheelchair use throughout. There are no ‘pedestrian only’ footpaths. Motor vehicle speeds are restricted to 5mph. As previously stated, Overbrook is an ‘Adults Only’ (over 18s) site. Seating is provided outside the Reception/Toilet Block.
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Staff Disability Awareness
Awareness training has been provided informally by a staff member, a former Equalities and Diversity Officer in a large public sector organisation.
Assistance Dogs
Overbrook is a particularly dog-friendly site, and assistance dogs are welcomed. Water and dog tethering facilities are provided close to Reception, and a dog-waste bin is located on the verge adjacent to the Park entrance. Park facilities are clearly signposted and pointed out by staff to guests on arrival. Staff will take particular care in explaining location/use of facilities to patrons with restricted abilities.
Although dogs may not be exercised on the Park, a range of dog walking areas is available, the nearest being opposite the park entrance within 80 metres (250 feet) of Reception. Staff will be pleased to direct guests to the dog-walking area most suitable to their needs.
Mobility Scooters/Powered Wheelchairs
There are no dedicated charging facilities for disability aid vehicles, but facilities may be made available upon request.
Communications
Mobile phone access is generally good throughout the Park. Free Wi-Fi is provided.
Additional Observations
Overbrook is a welcoming, friendly site which over the years has developed into a close community into which newcomers are always welcome. The clientele is without exception mature, friendly people who look out for each other and for fellow campers. Fifty percent of the pitches are occupied by semi-permanent ‘season siters’ and the touring pitches constantly attract returning clients, adding to the sense of community which the proprietors actively foster. Anyone who experiences difficulty may be confident of assistance, not just from the owners and staff, but from fellow campers.
It should also be remembered that the Park offers accommodation for visitors using/residing ONLY in their own caravans or motorhomes. Anyone able to camp in such a vehicle, whether specially adapted or otherwise, with or without a carer, should have no difficulty accessing and fully using all the facilities at Overbrook.
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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The following popular local attractions offer facilities for the disabled:
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Tel 01751 472508 or visit www.nymr.co.uk then go to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for details of the Railway’s facilities for the disabled.
Eden Camp Second World War Museum - Tel 01653 697777 or visit edencamp.co.uk then go to ‘Plan Your Visit’
Flamingo Land Theme Park – Tel 0871 911 8000 or visit flamingoland.co.uk then go to ‘Accessibility Guide’.
Further information on local attractions may be obtained from Ryedale Tourist Information (01653 600048 or www.visitryedale.co.uk).
LOCAL MEDICAL AND ASSISTANCE FACILITIES
Local Hospitals: Malton Community Hospital. Tel 01653 693041 or visit www.Malton Hospital for services and opening times.
Scarborough General Hospital. Tel 01723 368111 or visit www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our_hospitals/scarborough-hospital.
Local Medical Centre: Pickering Medical Practice, Southgate, Pickering, Tel 01751 471296. Full details of services provided and opening hours available on line at www. Pickering Medical Practice.
Pharmacies: Beckside Pharmacy, Maltongate, Thornton-le-Dale. Tel 01751 476968
Pickering Pharmacy, 22 Market Place, Pickering. Tel 01751 472550
Hire/Purchase of equipment for the disabled: Dewar Mobility, 47 Market Place Pickering. Tel 01751 477668
Wheelchair-accessible Taxis: Station Taxis, Malton Station, Malton. Tel 01653 696969
Kappa’s Cars and Minibuses, Railway Street, Malton. Tel 01653 699999
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OVERBROOK CARAVAN PARK - CONTACT INFORMATION
Postal address: Overbrook Caravan Park, Maltongate,Thornton-le-Dale, Ryedale District, North Yorkshire. YO18 7SE,
Telephone 01751 474417, e-mail enquiry@overbrookcaravanpark.co.uk
Please visit our website at www.overbrookcaravanpark.co.uk where photographs and full details of the location, facilities and contact/booking arrangements for the site can be found.
The Ordnance Survey Grid Reference for the Park is SE 833822
Message to Our Guests
Please accept our assurance that we will do all that we can to meet your needs and make your stay with us as happy and comfortable as possible.
Every effort has been made to provide the fullest, most accurate information on our facilities in this access statement. If you are unsure about our Park’s suitability for you, or require any advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
When making your booking, please advise us of any particular requirements. Our experienced, friendly and helpful staff will be happy to discuss your needs with you and will do everything practicable to facilitate your requests and maximise your holiday enjoyment.
We look forward to welcoming you to Overbrook Caravan Park.
Darren and Natalie Ellis,
Proprietors.