Committed to providing accessible facilities for the community

It is disappointing to read Lynn Hobson (July 27) believes that we have failed to respond to requests to include fully accessible changing facilities.

We are fully aware of the campaign known as Changing Places and representatives of the company have met with senior councillors and council officers to discuss the possibility of including the desired facilities within our venues. We have agreed that we will adapt some of our toilets provided for people with disabilities to the standards being campaigned for by Ms Hobson. I am not aware of any requests being made to include such facilities within the refurbishment of the changing facilities at Hillsborough Leisure Centre and we have certainly not excluded the possibility of this type of facility being included as part of the onghoing refurbishment of Ponds Forge.

Over the past two years, we have spent over 350,000 specifically on accessibility improvements to our venues and several hundred thousand pounds more has been spent within the overall cost of larger refurbishment projects. These works include building works, ramps, handrails, additional lifts, improved wheelchair viewing facilities, accessible toilet and changing facilities, door automation plus improvements to lifts, signage andparking. Further expenditure is also planned. We have followed the guidance documents issued by Disability Sport England and other relevant guidance notes and Codes of Practice.

Steve Brailey, Chief Executive, Sheffield International Venues, Don Valley Stadium,Sheffield