Disabled Access to The Green Scythe Fair

Over the years there has been at times a confusing or inadequate response from the Green Scythe Fair (GSF) volunteers to the needs of disabled people who would like to attend or otherwise take part in the Fair. This Policy aims to at least clarify where the GSF is with disabled access in 2026 and will be updated as necessary in future years.

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The Green Scythe Fair wants to become as accessible as possible to Disabled People and will be taking on board comments and suggestions by Disabled People as to how the Fair can be more inclusive. 

 

Constraints / Ambition

The GSF is an outdoor event in the Somerset Countryside. Although the site is fairly level, it is basically a field / series of fields. All of the tents / marquees etc are standard and were not created with access for Disabled People in mind. The Equalities Act requires service providers such as the GSF to make reasonable adjustments. Some adjustments would be too costly and therefore not reasonable, however others are just a matter of organisation and will. The GSF Committee wishes to improve access to the Fair over the coming years but is always going to be constrained by the nature of the event.

The site is generally accessible to an all-terrain wheelchair user. If it is exceptionally dry and if using a manually operated wheelchair with a set of large rear wheels this will probably be okay. Your wheelchair is likely to get muddy or dusty. The Green Scythe Fair committee can not be held responsible for any damage to wheelchairs because of the terrain.

 

Training

GSF will ensure that all volunteers are aware of this Policy and will abide by it.

 

Ticket Concessions for Disabled People

Disabled People in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (3.9 million people in the UK receive PIP, the higher-level disability benefit) will be eligible for one free carer’s ticket, per booking if booked in advance. This concession will not be available on the gate. GSF will take it on trust that the person applying for the concession is in receipt of PIP. Any fraudulent claims to be in receipt of PIP will result in a 5 year ban.

 

Parking

Parking for Disabled People is only available for those displaying a valid local authority issued Blue Badge on their vehicle.

 

Transport

It is highly unlikely that any motor coach, horse drawn or water transport to the Green Scythe Fair will be accessible to wheelchair users in 2026. If this situation changes then this will be made clear on the website.

 

Toilets

The GSF will take steps to ensure that there are level access toilets available that are accessible to wheelchair users and that there is sufficient space for a wheelchair user and a carer to both be in the toilet cubicle at the same time. Other Disabled People, whatever their impairment will also be able to use the accessible toilets. There will be no challenging people who ‘do not look disabled’ and who are using the accessible toilets.

 

Questions, comments, suggestions for improvement? Please speak to any steward or contact us before the fair at info@greenfair.org.uk.