KIRKGATE Shopping centre has become the first mall in Bradford to be awarded an accreditation recognising its commitment to catering for people of all needs and abilities.

The centre has received the People's Parking accreditation, a scheme which works to improve car parks for the needs of customers.

Founded last year by independent mobility consultant Helen Dolphin, the award highlights improvements made to facilities for disabled people, parents, commuters, cyclists, and those who use wheelchair accessible vehicles or camper vans.

Kirkgate Shopping's 600-space car park in Godwin Street has met the scheme's criteria, which requires a car park to be safely lit, clean, have safe pedestrian access, good signage, and the enforcement of designated bays.

It has also received extra accreditation for being family friendly, great for shoppers, convenient for commuters, and for being accessible for disabled people.

Helen Dolphin, quadruple amputee and disability campaigner, said: “As a disabled person I have often struggled to get in and out of car parks.

"I find it incredibly difficult to take tickets out of machines and to put coins into slots.

"By making a few simple changes, many car parks can make themselves accessible to disabled people and in doing so attract more customers.

“However, access isn’t just something which affects disabled people; parents with children can find it difficult to get them in and out of vehicles in standard sized bays and people driving high-sided vehicles have very few parking opportunities off-street.

"I founded People’s Parking to help demonstrate safe, easy and well-equipped car parks for any customer with a specific requirement. I’m really delighted that Kirkgate Shopping achieved my accreditation and I hope it will encourage other shopping centres to follow their lead.”

The centre has 30 disabled bays and 29 extra wide parent and child bays to make loading and unloading pushchairs and prams easier.

Coral Batey, of Bradford, who plays wheelchair rugby for Great Britain and competed at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro on 2016, added: “Accessible parking in Bradford can be difficult to find, particularly designated areas which have been left clear so I’m really pleased that Kirkgate Shopping’s car park has been recognised by People’s Parking for its accessibility, more car parks should definitely aim for this.”

Catherine Riley, centre manager at Kirkgate Shopping, said she was "extremely proud" to have received the People’s Parking accreditations.

"Ensuring our car park is safe, accessible and easy to use for all is a top priority," she said.

“We know how important it is to retain a sense of independence during daily errands such as a shopping trip and we’ve taken this into account in the centre.

"Our Godwin Street, Westgate and Darley Street entrances are all wheelchair accessible, we operate a wheelchair loan service and a Blue Badge holder free parking scheme, and our staff are always on hand for further support both in the car park and centre itself.”