Lift funding will give wheelchair users access to library’s services

Wheelchair users will soon be able to access the children’s section of Cupar Library, after funding was allocated for a lift.

The lack of disabled access was highlighted by the head teacher of Kilmaron School, which caters for children with additional needs.

Now, £20,000 has been provided by the north-east Fife area committee to help Kilmaron pupils and members of the community use the library.

Councillor Margaret Kennedy said: “I provided support to Isla Lumsden, head teacher at Kilmaron School, some time ago in her quest to secure more appropriate access at Cupar Library.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to get to this point with the cultural trust.

“This will enhance the use of the library for the whole community, in particular people with prams or who are living with mobility challenges.”

Committee members were told in a report that children, teenagers and parents or carers who are wheelchair users were being prevented from taking part in library activities because of the lack of access.

The report stated: “Cupar Library’s use by the general public is also likely to be suffering and could be improved by the installation of support for wheelchair access.

“Kilmaron School, which serves the children of north-east Fife who have mobility and complex learning needs, would greatly benefit if Cupar children’s library and IT suite was wheelchair-accessible, allowing the school to schedule regular visits for their pupils.”

Councillors heard failure to carry out the work would be a contravention of the Equalities Act 2010.