This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors.

Access Statement for Combined Military Services Museum

Introduction

The Museum is a state registered charity housing a collection of British military artifacts that illustrate changes in the British armed forces from the start of the sixteenth century to present day. It is a member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assured Scheme. It is located in the town of Maldon Essex and is found at the end of a level tarmac road with a free car park including disabled parking. Our layout enables wheelchairs to move around the building freely, our lift is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and we have a ground floor disabled toilet. Our Staff are happy to accommodate individual needs where possible.

We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 01621 841826 or email admin@cmsm.co.uk.

Pre-Arrival

• For a local map on how to reach us please seen the 'Getting here' section of our website - www.cmsm.co.uk. Alternatively you can plan your journey by car or public transport by using www.transportdirect.info; simply enter your postcode and ours, which is CM9 4LQ.
• Buses stop approximately 500 yards from us at Tesco. Further bus stops can be found in Maldon High Street, however, there is a steep hill and a 15 minute walk to these stops.
• Unfortunately there is no railway station in Maldon.
• If you require an accessible taxi you can book this in advance. Please see contact information for details.

Car Parking and Arrival

• Our disabled free parking space is approximately 2 meters from our main entrance.
• Our car park, of 10 spaces is well lit and there is a very gradual slope to the main entrance which has a hand rail on the left side as you face entrance.
• The ground is evenly brick paved. At weekends there is off road parking outside of the Museum's Car Park.
• The external entrance doors are glass and open inwardly and outwardly. Wheelchair users without assistance will need to ring the bell and staff will open both the double doors to allow entry.
• There is an inner door which opens outwardly, it is 900mm (35”) wide and can be held open by a door hook. There is a 'lip' of approximately 200mm (1.7”) high, 200mm (1.7”) wide running along the threshold.
• Staff can be notified by the external bell and will help with access through both doors.

Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area

• The reception, ticketing area and shop are on the ground floor.
• The area is flat with a short pile carpet, it is lit by ceiling spot lights.
• There is a glass counter which is able to accommodate wheelchair users and has no glass or screens to hinder lip reading.
• Paper and pens are freely available, if required and we offer a range of reading glasses which can be borrowed by visitors during their visit. We are also able to offer magnifying glasses.
• Staff will deal with individual needs, where possible, and carers are charged a concessionary rate.

Attraction (displays, exhibits, rides etc.)

• All our display information is in a text format only.
• There are no flashing lights and no background music.
• There is a disabled lift for which staff will assist anyone who has problems accessing or operating the lift.
• All display cases are positioned making it possible for wheel chairs to manouvre freely.
• All floors of the museum are carpeted with a flat piled carpet.
• There are chairs positioned throughout the museum and staff will be happy to move or add chairs if required.
• All displays are lit with ceiling spot lights.

Public Toilets

• The museum has a toilet with wheelchair access on the ground floor (it also has male and female toilets on the upper floor).
• The ground floor toilet has a door width of 810mm (32”), with a space for a wheel chair to the right of the toilet, as you face it.
• The toilet seat is 430mm (17”) from the floor with a horizontal, fold up grab rail to the left.
• It is lit by fluorescent lighting and has a non- slip laminate floor.
• The taps are lever operated.

Catering

• We have a small refreshment area on the top floor.
• Lift access is available to this floor.
• The area has vending machines for snacks and refreshments.
• Staff are available to accommodate individual needs if possible.
• Chairs and tables are all movable to accommodate wheel chairs.

Shop(s)

• The shop is located at reception (see main entrance and reception section above).
• It is a small shop and items are displayed on shelves and behind a glass counter.
• Staff are always on hand to assist with reaching and accessing gifts and merchandise.

Future Plans

• We are planning a review of our website.
• We welcome your comments to make improvements to our facilities.
• We offer a concessionary rate for carers.
• We are having large signs in Ariel Font, black text on white background displayed above each display cabinet, labeling each cabinet.

Contact Information

Address (inc postcode):	Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ
Telephone:	01621 841826
Email:	admin@cmsm.co.uk
Website:	www.cmsm.co.uk
Grid Reference:	TL8532707465
Hours Of Operation:	Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am - 5.00pm (last admission 4.00pm) Open Bank Holiday Mondays and everyday during school holidays.
Local Equipment Hire:	E.A. Mobility Ltd - 01621 843344 Red Cross equipment hire - 01621 855 277 (call for opening times)
Local Accessible Taxi:	Arrow Taxis - 01621 855111
Local Public Transport:	First Group Buses, Customer Care - 08456 020 121 www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/timetable