Our glass doors are not dangerous (From Penarth Times)

Our glass doors are not dangerous

HEAVY glass doors at the Windsor Arcade are not "dangerous" - but disabled people might need help in opening them, the owner has said this week.

Mark Andrews, of Andton Properties, says the logos on the £32,000 doors are clear and at eye-level, allowing people to see them in plenty of time.

But he said disabled people might need help in accessing the arcade.

It follows an article in the Penarth Times (January 31) in which local AM Lorraine Barrett criticised the doors for being "dangerous".

She said: "In this day and age, I would have thought companies would be more responsive to the needs to the elderly, infirm and those with visual impairments."

But Mr Andrews said the retailer near the doors had told him no-one had walked into them for some time. He said: "When these doors first went in people weren't used to them, but now they are.

"We had to get planning permission. We've gone through all the appropriate channels and we've improved the lettering again."

He said as a result of the doors, all the units are now occupied and tenants have noted an improvement in business.

The doors have to be kept closed all the time, to avoid people walking into them when they are open. There was not enough room to fit automatic doors.

Mr Williams said about disabled people using the arcade: "I would hope somebody would open the door if someone wanted to get in, as you have to push to get in."

But one Penarth woman, who didn't want to be named, said her disabled parents would not be able to cope with the doors.

She said: "The whole reason people have wheelchairs is to have independence. How would he like it if he had to wait in the pouring rain for the doors to be opened?"