Turnhout (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In Turnhout, UGC’s elevators have been broken since April, making it hard for wheelchair users to access the cinema. Manager Bert Hermans said a new elevator should arrive by late October.
For almost six months, people in wheelchairs haven’t been able to go to movies at the UGC cinema in Turnhout because the elevators are broken. The problem started when the elevators, which are 22 years old, were checked in April during a regular inspection that happens every six months. During this check, they found several safety issues, so the cinema management had to stop using the elevators to keep everyone safe.
What are the current plans for UGC’s new elevator installation?
According to Bert Hermans, the manager of UGC in Turnhout, the old elevators need repairs, and they are trying to find a way to fix them. This has made it very difficult for wheelchair users because they can’t get to the movie theatre without elevator access. The management knows about the problem and is committed to fixing it as soon as but the repair process has been delayed.
UGC in Turnhout decided not to fix the old elevators and ordered a new one after checking different prices. They made this choice in May because they want the cinema to be easier to access for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. Installing the new lift will take time because they need to buy it and make sure it follows safety rules, which might delay when the cinema can be used again. Bert Hermans, the manager, is worried about how long the cinema has been closed for those who need elevators. He understands this is frustrating for everyone and promises they are working hard to solve the problem quickly. They want everyone in the community to enjoy the cinema without barriers once the new lift is ready.
The new lift was supposed to arrive by the end of October, but UGC said they can’t fix the old lift for now because it’s too expensive. They also looked into getting a stair lift, which would cost too much. UGC is trying to keep everyone updated on their website, but not everyone sees the messages. They got their first complaint yesterday and replied quickly.
