Access in St Neots

21/10/2026

I wanted to share an opportunity from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for people with lived experience to help shape two new sensory rooms being developed within the outpatient department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The Trust is seeking feedback from people who may benefit from these spaces, including those with learning disabilities, autism, or sensory sensitivities.

The workshops will explore the question: “What does a safe space feel like?” and will be led by artist Hannah Jane Walker. No artistic experience is needed, and participants will be supported to share their ideas in a creative and accessible way.

There are three opportunities to take part:

Monday 9 November 2026, 10:00am to 11:30am – Maple Centre, Huntingdon

Monday 9 November 2026, 7:00pm to 8:00pm – Online via Microsoft Teams

Tuesday 17 November 2026, 10:00am to 11:30am – Ross Street Community Centre, Cambridge

Travel expenses can be reimbursed, and support is available for anyone who needs assistance to join the online session. Booking closes at 12 noon on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

To book a place, participants can call 01223 256 768 or complete the online booking form:

20/10/2026

Ever been to Cambridge South railway station? I found no reviews from a disabled person (particularly a wheelchair user's) point of view. So with permission from Greater Anglia, here is my review....

I finally managed to go for a look around the new Cambridge South s...

17/10/2026

This week has been chaotic, but in a good way!
As well as dog and cat sitting, as well as looking after my own 2! I have been for a visit and to film at Cambridge South Station, a visit to Wrest Park (English Heritage) to meet with some of the managers about disabled access.
And I've had some Teams meetings, in person meetings in between that too!
🫨🫨🫨

17/10/2026

Better late than never! Although the Business Access Guide went live on the website last night, I didn't announce it. Why? So I could check through it as a visitor. But also, I went whizzing around town this morning and took a further 43 photos of shop fronts!

Important info about the access guide:
1. All information is either confirmed and given by the business (a green tick shows this), based on a visit from myself (Liz) or feedback from a member of the public. Some inaccessible businesses have only got information on the entrance only, based on how they appear from the street.

2. All photos are taken by myself (Liz), unless otherwise credited. (Google Maps has been helpful!)

3. A copy of the business questionnaire can be obtained by e-mailing: [email protected]

4. If you think any information is wrong, please fill in the form on the website. If you are a business and haven't received a questionnaire, you can fill it in here: https://form.jotform.com/262853479613063

5. Originally, the guide was just for the town centre. This is now growing. SO, if your business or favourite place to go is not on there, it may be in the process of being added. If you want to find more, you can e-mail: [email protected]

Most importantly.....enjoy!!!
https://www.accessinstneots.com/access-guide

FAQs for Access in St Neots’ Business Access Guide Who is the guide for? Disabled people, wheelchair users, people with mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, hidden disabilities, carers, families and anyone who wants to know whether a shop is genuinely accessible. What is this guide for? It ...

13/10/2026

COMING THIS FRIDAY!

Friday 16th October 2026

Access in St Neots is delighted to announce the launch of our brand new St Neots Business Access Guide!

Designed to help residents and visitors make informed choices about where to shop, eat and spend their time, our guide brings together useful accessibility information about local shops, cafés, restaurants and other businesses across St Neots.

We know that accessibility means different things to different people. Whether you're a wheelchair user, have a hidden disability, are neurodivergent, have hearing or visual impairments, or simply need a little extra information before visiting somewhere new, we want to help you explore our town with greater confidence.

Our aim is to support local businesses, encourage everyone to shop local, and help make St Neots a more welcoming and inclusive place for all.

Look out for the guide launching this Friday 16th October!

Please share this post and help us spread the word. Together, we can make a difference to accessibility in St Neots!

12/10/2026

A big thank you to Ouse Valley Radio for having me on yesterday to talk all things Access in St Neots. My first in person interview, as the building was by far the most accessible building in the area!

10/10/2026

Tune in on Sunday as we discuss facilities for the disabled in Huntingdonshire with Access in St Neots .. local campaigner and activist Liz Owen

Former Vice Chair of HDC Richard Slade is also joining to talk about the potential impact of the new Universal Complex in Bedford on the wider area and the opportunities for Huntingdonshire.
From 10 till midday

09/10/2026

What a wonderful morning at St Neots Golf Club. Firstly, they now have 3 disabled parking spaces, which is much needed! Especially as they will be getting an Accessible toilet!!
Chairman, Steve Whitney took these fab photos and pictured here, is also the soon to be repurposed cleaners cupboard. It is going to be an excellent facility, meaning people can fully use the club for whichever purpose they are there for.

Asking Access in St Neots and club member John (pictured with myself and Steve, with Director Darren Gough) to give our lived experience and knowledge on these facilities is much appreciated. Thank you to everyone involved so far!
They also have a fab builder on board, who really knows his stuff too!

05/10/2026

New disabled bays for Waitrose & Partners! Hurrah!

02/10/2026

So, David Lloyd gym. Supposed to open next week right? Hmm. Well they have failed to comply with Building regulation M as expected. Earlier in the year they weren't at the point of thinking about this apparently.

As you can see from correspondence, they had no intention of installing a Changing Places. (Not a Changing room, as they thought that was the same thing! Oh dear!)

Capacity of over 350 people requires by law that a new building, particularly a leisure facility has to include a Changing Places. (I'm working on one in Peterborough for the NHS as we speak).
Apparently the capacity of our St Neots facility is 800.
I have reported this to HDCs Planning Enforcement team.
This begs the question. Have they lied about capacity?
Has HDC dropped the ball and missed a very important building
regulation? Who did their Equality Impact Assessment?

I will be taking this further!