Mayor attends Purple Tuesday event at atria Watford

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, joined organisations on Tuesday to mark the occasion.

Purple Tuesday is a global social movement aimed at enhancing the customer experience for disabled people and their families throughout the year.

The event featured a presentation by Lee Keogh, the Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce member and UK national ambassador of Purple Tuesday.

There were also stalls from various community groups, charities, and organisations, as well as stilt walkers and free purple doughnuts from Wenzels.

Mayor Taylor and Liberal Democrat Councillor Amanda Grimston attended to show their support.

Mr Taylor said: "I am thrilled to be here at the launch of Purple Tuesday at Watford.

"I am keen to ensure that our town is inclusive and accessible for all.

"Purple Tuesday is just one of the important commitments local charities and businesses can sign up to ensure improved customer experience for disabled people.

The mayor also spoke about the ongoing refurbishment at the Watford Colosseum and how it will ensure greater accessibility for all once it reopens.

The council aims to improve accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities through several measures.

These include making the front entrance accessible for all, providing a new Changing Places toilet, installing new hearing loops in all bars, foyer and office areas, incorporating dropped counters at all bars and installing a new stage lift to provide wheelchair access to the stage.

Stilt walkers and free purple doughnuts were on hand for the Purple Tuesday event (Image: Watford Borough Council) Mr Keogh, Purple Tuesday Disabled Ambassador, said: "I am so proud of the changes that are being made to accessibility in my local area of Watford, which shows me that businesses in my community want disabled people like me to have a good experience.

"I am so pleased to be supporting the Purple Tuesday initiative again for another year, educating and inspiring others about what they can do to improve their accessibility."

Purple Tuesday inspires leadership and staff of organisations from all sectors and sizes to foster awareness, deepen understanding, and create solutions for improved accessibility in their customer environments.

Participating organisations make public commitments each year to improve accessibility and practices, ensuring disabled customers have an improved experience – these commitments involve initiating at least one new activity.