MAKING all council-owned buildings in Bournemouth accessible to disabled people carries a price tag of more than £2 million, it has been revealed.

Just 22 of the town's 91 public buildings, which include sporting pavilions, cemeteries, community centres, council offices and libraries, currently meet the standards set by the Disability Discrimination Act.

In light of recent criticism by inspectors, councillors on Wednesday May 18 will be asked to spend £31,500 to increase the number of buildings compliant with the Act from 24.2 per cent to 38.5 per cent.

The alternative, they are being warned, is to run the risk of costly court action from dissatisfied residents.

If cabinet members agree the £31,500 at their meeting on Wednesday, the money will be spent improving 13 of the town's assets.

This includes £5,000 on Moordown Community Centre, West Howe library, the East Beach office and Boscombe first aid room, £6,000 on Boscombe Beach office and £2,000 improving the public counter at Dorset House.

Smaller sums of £500 will be spent on Stokewood Road Leisure Centre, West Cliff lift, East Overcliff lift and Fisherman's Walk cliff lift.

But councillors are also being warned that large amounts of capital will be needed to complete the necessary work within the next decade. And facilities in buildings where it is deemed uneconomic or impractical to make the necessary improvements may have to be relocated to alternative sites.

The most expensive building to improve will be the Pavilion Theatre and the town hall, which will cost around £300,000.

Substantial amounts of £150,000 or more will also have to be spent on Kinson Community Centre, the Littledown Centre and Kings Park Athletic Centre.

First published: May 13