Disabled group worried that corners could be cut

8:11 am on 21 August 2012

Disabled people in Christchurch welcome the prospect of a city that meets the latest standards, but worry corners could be cut.

Advocates say the commitment to create an accessible city in the re-build plan may be let down by a lack of knowledge about what disabled people actually need.

The Barrier Free New Zealand Trust, which gives technical advice to architects, builders and project developers, says while access standards have to be met it does not mean they always work.

The trust wants more training on accessibility to be made available.

The Earthquake Disability Leadership group is worried that mistakes will be made in the haste to rebuild.

It says already some of the city's temporary structures, which may have to be used for 10 years or more, show little thought for the disabled.