Wheelchair user unable to use library’s stair lift

Library member, Beth Yarr, claims that the lift from the ground floor to the upstairs library has been out of use for several months.

Beth says that she uses the library on a weekly basis, but has been unable to access the upstairs collection of books.

“I’m a regular library user, and have been since I was a little girl, I now have a little girl of my own and I enjoy taking her there,” Beth told The Times.

“The staff at the library are very open about the problem and have told me that it’s a health and safety issue.

“They say that they have had to close the stairlift in case they need to evacuate the building. This means that there is no provision for wheelchair users.”

In a statement Libraries NI said: “This is a regrettable situation and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

“As with many older public buildings, the age and original design are limiting factors and that is why Libraries NI is seeking funding to refurbish Coleraine Library, to address, among other things, access issues.

“In the interim, we are working towards finding a solution and Libraries NI staff members hope to meet with our customer at the earliest opportunity to discuss the issues that she has raised and seek to find a way forward.”