ONE of Worcestershire's top tourist attractions has become more disabled friendly following consultations with those affected.

People with a range of disabilities were consulted as part of a long-term English Heritage project to improve access to Witley Court.

In partnership with the West Midlands Disability Arts Forum, groups of people with learning disabilities, with visual and hearing impairment and wheelchair users visited the spectacular ruined country house and its restored historic gardens and contributed advice and experience.

One year on from starting the project, visitor suggestions being developed at the site include pilot guided tours with British Sign Language interpretation and a new audio tour; new orientation signs that meet the highest standards in accessibility; a leaflet to include access information such as gradients and distances. Also there is a new disability awareness staff training video, scripted and presented by disabled people.

English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund have launched comprehensive guidelines for making historic landscapes easily accessible for visitors with disabilities.

The publication Easy Access to Historic Landscapes was launched in the grounds of English Heritage property Witley Court this week.

Suzanne Carter, English Heritage outreach officer for the West Midlands, said: "We are committed to understanding our sites from the perspective of the visitors that come to them. The success of Witley Court is down to all the volunteers that gave their time so that others could enjoy the site more."

Easy Access To Historic Landscapes helps the owners and managers of sites such as historic parks, gardens and urban squares to provide easy access for all visitors.

The Sensory Trust was commissioned to develop the guidance. It focuses on creating a better experience for visitors, but also aims to help improve the skills of staff and volunteers and prevent damage to a site's special historic interest.