Fully serviced pitches
How many CMC sites have fully serviced pitches with EHU and water and waste connections specifically for those who are disabled? I am aware that there are fully serviced pitches available for all and sundry however these pitches get taken up very quickly.
If there are any sites with fully serviced pitches specifically for those who are registered as disabled, where or how can I obtain this list?
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I would say that none are specifically made for disabled people. You would have to book them in the normal manner and then ring the site if you wanted one nearer the toilet blocks.
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I am afraid you have lost me with that. There is a vast difference between near and next to. You asked:
How many CMC sites have fully serviced pitches with EHU and water and waste connections specifically for those who are disabled? I am aware that there are fully serviced pitches available for all and sundry however these pitches get taken up very quickly.
If there are any sites with fully serviced pitches specifically for those who are registered as disabled, where or how can I obtain this list?
I answered your question, note the if in it. To restate there are none that I know of. Book in the normal manner and ring the site for your specific requirements.
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The only thing I can suggest Surfer is to look at the site plans and see where the serviced pitches are placed. Some at Hillhead (for instance) are at the top of the site in a level area not far from the facilities whist others on the same site are placed at separate levels well away from the facilities and some involve some steep walks on paths or steps. Another site I can think of is Exmoor House at Dulverton where the serviced pitches are on a small level site and a short walk to other facilities. I'm pretty sure there may be some disabled serviced pitches just as there are some designated disabled pitches on standard ones on a few sites but as I said you'd have to check. You would be able to phone and ask for help in the type of area you'd need to be. Possibly something the club could upgrade in it's site details at some point?
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Thank you for your reply but as the CMC has numerous sites, phoning each one may be counter productive and probably a waste of time.
The question was regarding fully serviced pitches anywhere on a site that are specifically reserved for people with disabilities i.e. mobility. The few that we we did check for fully serviced pitches where we wanted to go, all the fully serviced pitches were booked with the odd gaps. We do nt expect the CMC to ask someone who has booked a fully serviced pitch to move.
We do not have this issue when booking fully serviced pitches on commercial sites as there are always vacancies and we are happy to pay the little extra.
I would have thought that the CMC would have such a list readily available instead of having to resort to this forum for information.
Hopefully a staff member will be along to direct me to a link where I can find this information?
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Surfer
I am a little confused with what you are asking for. You mentioned toilet disposal on pitch. The only site I can recall with this facility is Chatsworth. I have used a fair number of Club sites and I don't recall seeing them elsewhere. I assume it was some sort of experiment tried at Chatsworth and it must have been considered not worth replicating elsewhere?
As to reserving serviced pitches for disabled members I can see that could be fraught with difficulties. On many sites there are very limited numbers of standard serviced pitches which are always popular. To keep one or two to one side just in case it was required by a disabled member could be uneconomic for one thing. As I am sure you know the Club will always try and find a pitch near to the toilet block for those with disabilities. The official policy of the Club is not to delve into into individuals disabilities but just to help anyone who requests such a pitch.
David
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Surfer, every site has an access statement on the details page with advice for anyone with mobility problems etc where the most suitable pitches can be found etc. Is this type of thing any help to you? LINK to Hillhead Access statement.
I would have thought this advice plus a phone call to the actual site when booking might produce the best results?
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phone calls don't always prove efficient to sites as disabled wife I ring and book and state if possible to be near disabled facilities and the site say they will put a note on the booking. when we arrive no such note and not close to blocks. Like everything in life some are good and some not. Why water is not supplied at every pitch is beyond me as quite easy to do but can understand drainage be a big no no.
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Can you please direct me to the post where I asked or mentioned about toilet disposal on the pitch? I did indicate that if we had water and waste connection then the only thing required would be an Elsan point somewhere on the site and not necessary on the pitch.
If you reserve a pitch then surely that means that you will be arriving at the site to take up the booking so why the comment keeping one or two aside just in case etc.
Seems that posting on this forum even a simple question is a total waste of time and effort as every one makes excuses for the CMC! Where is a list on the website regarding sites with fully serviced pitches?
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I'm disappointed in your responses Surfer, a handful of us have tried to help. I hope our replies aren't a waste of time but if you consider that to be the case there's not much any of us can do.
If you can't find what you want and you state we are making excuses for CAMC then I think you won't get much further on here.
Asking for help is one thing, demanding it is another!
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Add one to that too.
We have tried to be helpful but it seems that is not enough for you Surfer.
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Just for you Surfer, the list you require regarding which sites have serviced pitches. It would be impolite of me to ask exactly what your needs are, but I am sure with a little effort, much like I used on your behalf, you can work out those which might be suitable. Happy to help....
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/useful-information/types-of-pitch/
All you have to do is click on Serviced pitches, and it brings up a site list.
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If the pitch were fully serviced then there would be no need to near the toilets. The only thing required would be the Elsan point. This then gives a person with disabilities more choice instead of being stuck right next to the toilet block.
Surfer
I took the above quote as you wanting an Elsan point on the pitch, I suppose it can be read either way?
Serviced pitches are booked on a first come first served basis so not possible to set aside "in case" for whatever reason. If you have already booked a service pitch and have a specific requirement because of a disability then you would have to discuss that with the site warden.
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I'm stuck at wondering what sort of modifications could be made to a standard pitch as I always thought that all pitches were suitable for use by all disabilities since there is almost nothing there at all to modify.
However, thinking of how well the jockey wheel runs on gravel when the motor-mover is in use I would think wheel-chair users would be better served by a smooth hard standing, such as concrete. As would those using baby-buggies or high heeled shoes. I have never seen a list of sites with hard standing as concrete. A phone call to the wardens is probably the best option.
Taps and bollards are already at waist height, and drain points do have to be at (or very near) ground level to accomodate outlets being on the underside of the caravans. As do the "black" waste points, such as at the Affiliated Site Love2Stay in Shrewsbury. They seem to flow directly into a common pipe with the "grey" waste, so I wonder why that is not done at all "fully" serviced pitches.
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Like everything in life some are good and some not. Why water is not supplied at every pitch is beyond me as quite easy to do but can understand drainage be a big no no.
a good point.
in some places, water on the pitch, without necessarily a grey waste is something you'll find, usually included in the pitch price. taps are seen as quite important things on pitches.
however, whilst I agree it would be pretty straightforward to lay water pipe to virtually any pitch (without the more significant disruption of laying larger waste pipes) the club doesn't have a general 'model' for this 'design' nor a pricing system to cover it.
they have a 'service pitch design' which includes grey waste drainage and has a specific price....full stop.
i don't see them coming up with what you suggest although I agree it might make sense to have a semi serviced pitch in some places.
at least it reduces water 'toting' by half for those that do it.
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This is a big problem with fully serviced pitches being booked up quickly and then my spouse having to haul water and waste water back and forth.
When we have approached commercial sites about booking a fully serviced pitch, we have never had an issue even when booking a month before our arrival.
Admittedly we have paid a deposit or even the full fee, but we always know that we will have a fully serviced pitch on arrival so that my spouse can also relax and enjoy her holiday.
There is an issue that if you have a disability it also involves hospital visits which you cannot miss so the chances of being able to book several months in advance are remote. I am sure that we are not the only members to fall into this category.
I agree that a fully serviced pitch should not be withheld specifically for those with disabilities as it would not be economically viable however what is stopping them holding back one or two such a pitches and only releasing it about 2 weeks to a month before a date.
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I have used a "tap and no drain" pitch outside of The Caravan Club empire and there was a huge problem for many users, myself included.
The water supply does not run out round about the time the Wastemaster starts overflowing, so there is nothing to prompt emptying it accordingly.
I do think there is a space in the market for a device that screws into the Wastemaster and sends signals to an application on a smart phone to show how full the container has become. It could pair with one in the Aquaroll showing the reverse information.
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Surfer there are a lot of sites with serviced pitches available. Just click on book now on individual sites and you'll see all the spaces for the months ahead. You could for instance, book a serviced pitch at Hillhead in June where there is a vacant pitch every day at the moment. Wait for the box to clear when you up date, it takes a couple of seconds. However I think it's always best to ring the site for individual advice.
The advantage of serviced pitches is that they can be booked in advance with the club. I'm wondering if you realised you could book these pitches in advance? (As you seem to think they are available to all and sundry in your OP but they are in fact pre-booked.)
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This is a big problem with fully serviced pitches being booked up quickly and then my spouse having to haul water and waste water back and forth.
A shame but they are booked up quickly as they are popular
When we have approached commercial sites about booking a fully serviced pitch, we have never had an issue even when booking a month before our arrival.
Because club sites are popular and these are not
Admittedly we have paid a deposit or even the full fee, but we always know that we will have a fully serviced pitch on arrival so that my spouse can also relax and enjoy her holiday.
Then you will have to go there, at least with the club you will not lose any deposit.
There is an issue that if you have a disability it also involves hospital visits which you cannot miss so the chances of being able to book several months in advance are remote. I am sure that we are not the only members to fall into this category.
No but you will just have to live with it. There are others who cannot book months in advance but why change the system for anyone
I agree that a fully serviced pitch should not be withheld specifically for those with disabilities as it would not be economically viable however what is stopping them holding back one or two such a pitches and only releasing it about 2 weeks to a month before a date
And how will this help, someone might book it before you, or someone might not book it at all.
This may no doubt sound heartless but you have to live with your own problems sadly. We all do.
I think the system works well for you, nothing to stop you booking then changing that up to 72 hours before arrival at no cost.
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It does say a lot about comercial sites if they "always have vacancy"where as club sites are are full ,and as posted by others serviced pitches on some club sites get booked up quickly ,and as you, there are numerous others who have Hospital etc appointments, but you learn to work round them,
Ps how many serviced specifically for disabled would you like to see on each site that if put in could stand empty for long periods
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Agree with your statement Nav. If I am close to the toilet block I can walk the wife to the toilet and back but if quite a distance have to use the wheel chair but have to carefully walk her across the gravel to get her to the chair as very difficult to wheel said chair to the roadway. That is if the roadway is not gravel as well.
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Gravel can be a real problem but it is much easier on a grass pitch providing it is not muddy!
I think what surfer is asking is that at least one serviced pitch should be reserved for the blue badge holders? Because there are so few of these and the problems of policing it, I cannot see it as being a feasible idea? Some sites do indicate a pitch is for the disabled, usually one near the toilet block. I have no idea if these can be reserved because even though we are blue badge holders we take pot luck and select a pitch like every one else.
Some time ago I recall someone asking for recommendations on how to cope with a wheelchair on gravel. One of the better ideas was to carry those square mats or similar which can be joined together to form a pathway.
peedee
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Some of the Club’s sites have horrendous choice of aggregate on the hardstandings pitches, YRP springs to mind as worst we have ever been on. Uncomfortable to walk on, let alone try and roll a wheelchair.
I think part of the issue for those genuinely in need of assistance in terms of fetching and carrying water and waste (as opposed to someone who chooses a serviced pitch for other reasons) isn’t being adequately met by the Club. It would be good to see at least one pitch per site allocated for those with a disability, perhaps using a blue badge or some other recognised provision as proof of circumstances, and this bookable separately to other pitches. If the pitch remains unbooked on the day, then Wardens could sell that night to a tourer calling in, for the single night only, say after 2pm. There are folks that take a chance and arrive on the day, we certainly do. That would at least protect a pitch for those who struggle without a serviced pitch, and give some payback if it isn’t used. It’s what train companies and coach tour companies do, allocate space for a wheelchair and user. First come basis would apply, and ring fence it for longer stays, say minimum of three nights in busy periods.
Breaks all the current rules In terms of choose your own pitch, not making minimum night stay an issue, not asking member for proof of circumstances but for one pitch at each site, it might be worth a trial. There’s a huge lot of difference between genuinely needing a serviced pitch to keep touring, and desiring a serviced pitch to make life easier.
And no, don’t charge extra above usual service pitch charge, because that is discrimination. 🙂
Edit: sorry PD, we seem to have thought of same thing🙂
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No problem TTDA, your post takes pitching for the disabled on a service pitch much further. Personally, as a motorhome owner with all facilities on board, we would never use it. The only time I have ever requested a pitch for the disabled is at the shows or the National where the distance to get to facilities can be great. Campsiites are generally small compared to showgrounds etc. and don't usually present us with problems.
peedee
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When booking a CAMC pitch it does say, as part of the procedure, "if anyone in your party has a specific requirement please refer to the site access statement or contact the site direct."
The access statements have improved over the years, the club has looked at suitable areas of pitching and the link is given on the booking page. It's difficult to make general comments due to people having different needs but it's interesting to hear from other's experiences. I think Lornalou's post about the wardens forgetting to keep a disabled pitch was a bit worrying, how could that be overcome?
Disabled pitches on some sites are marked, others are not and are just coned off when needed.
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I appreciate the concept suggested by TDA but it would fail as soon as the designated pitch was booked up one year ahead, as everything else would be as it is now.
Or perhaps worse, because the Club would be able to hold it up as taking action to cater for the disabled, and it would be just a token gesture. It could increase resentment from the non-disabled who where too late to book a SP - perhaps for a multiple night stay - yet see one lying unused until each evening it is taken by an unbooked camper who turned up on chance.
As you may remember, my take on disability is that no special provisions should be made. All facilities should be accessible to all.
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To me, it’s a bit like parking in a Blue badge space. I don’t need to, unless I have got Mum and her Badge with me, so I don’t do it. But the Club has a unique set of circumstance in that serviced pitches tend to be hardstandings, and this gives members a very viable reason for choosing the option, along with the genuine desire to avoid humping water and waste every day. (I am a tad puzzled if I see a small motorhome on a serviced pitch, as all the water and waste carrying ought to be negated, but folks have the choice and their own reasons, not least the hardstandings thing again, so I don’t judge.)
But ring fencing one pitch, for those happy to jump through extra booking hoops to be able to carry on touring, despite requiring extra help, ought to be a consideration. It might be the difference for some folks having to totally give up on touring, regardless of age. No idea what the take up would be, but selling this reserved pitch on late, might address unused take up.
I am not criticising anyone for opting for service pitches by the way, the choice is there, and many enjoy their holidays more because it is. As someone who has, and still is, caring for someone who needs extra help with a registered Blue Badge, I know how much more difficult it can be if a dedicated space isn’t available. 🙂
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