THE disabled toilet at the bus terminus has a major problem, researchers found yesterday. Its layout makes it difficult for someone in a wheelchair to close the door behind them.

And while many wheelchair users travel by bus, one of the Raising Awareness of Mobility Problems group volunteers had problems getting off one with her electric wheelchair.

Buses and the Town terminus were yesterday the focus of Ramp’s ninth audit, which investigated how easy it was for people with a range of mobility problems to board and get off buses and use facilities in the area.

‘One of the main moans about the buses is that they are too wide, but they have to be to accommodate wheelchairs, pushchairs and luggage,’ said Ramp chairwoman Jackie Tebbutt.

‘The buses are designed for the job ‘ they are a 100% improvement on the old ones.

‘We know that many islanders with disabilities do regularly use them and that wheelchair access is available, so we didn’t expect to find too many problems.’

Testers included someone with walking difficulties and a sight problem, a woman with a shopping trolley and a mother with a pram.

‘Getting on the bus was fine, but coming out was a bit of a problem,’ said electric wheelchair user Bridgitte Dodd.

‘The pole that is put down comes out too much and catches on my wheelchair.

‘But if I move further the other way, my wheelchair is blocked by something else.

‘Also, some of the footpaths around the terminus need to be lowered at both ends.

‘One end is lowered, but not the other, so I have to go all the way back to the end with the lower pavement to go over it. Apart from that, it is okay.’

Also tested were the toilets, the Terminus Cafe and the bus information kiosk.

‘The information kiosk was fine and so was the Terminus Caf’, although there was restricted space inside so it would be difficult for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around,’ said Pat Wisher of Ramp.

‘One important problem is the toilet for people with disabilities.

‘The wheelchair user was fine getting into the toilet, but had a problem closing the door behind her because of the right turn.

‘That is something important that we will highlight in the report.’

Ramp was started in 2003 to raise awareness of the difficulties and needs of people with mobility problems.

‘We want to emphasise that the little things can make a terrific difference to people in how they feel about getting around independently and being catered for,’ said Mrs Wisher.

‘It doesn’t cost much to put in some small improvements.

‘If there is a step at the entrance, a portable ramp packs away small. In addition, the shop owner could put a bell outside so people can ring for assistance.

‘It makes an awful lot of difference in how people feel if they don’t need to seek help.’