AN investigation into the level of disabled access at five leisure centres has found that all are doing well.

The Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forum for Hambleton and Richmondshire carried out a survey of the leisure centres in Bedale, Thirsk, Stokesley and Northallerton and at Richmond Swimming Pool.

The survey was in response to Part Five of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), which came into force on October 1. It made it a requirement for disabled access to be provided.

Each leisure centre was sent a questionnaire before PPI forum members visited the premises.

Forum chairman David Bolam said: "We used the self-certifying questionnaire as a basis of our investigations in each leisure centre. We were greeted positively at each centre and were given a tour of the premises to help us assess accessibility.

"Buildings were found to be well-maintained, bright, airy and where there were acknowledged difficulties in accessing certain equipment, an alternative was usually available. It was great to see that staff are always available to assist when requested."

Fiona Hughes, manager of Bedale Leisure Centre, said: "This was a really interesting piece of work that coincided with the timings of the addition of Part Five to the Disability Discrimination Act (1995).

"It gave each centre an opportunity to audit their progress with improving accessibility and it was pleasing that very few areas of concern were found."