Shops need to improve disabled access (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Shops need to improve disabled access

SHOPS and businesses based in west Wiltshire towns could face prosecution unless they improve disabled access to their premises before new legislation comes into effect this autumn.

Members of West Wiltshire Disability Forum believe firms across the district could be in hot water unless they address access problems at their stores.

To heighten awareness the disability forum is holding a one-off seminar next month to advise business leaders on how the Disability Discrimination Act will affect them.

Forum member Matt Stabb, 32, who is confined to a wheelchair, said: "In some shops I have problems manoeuvring my wheelchair. In others I cannot get in at all.

"We just want to get the message across that we are here to help and it would be beneficial to businesses to come along as they could end up being sued."

Geraldine Bentley, also from the West Wiltshire Disability Forum, said: "It is not just access to the property itself, it can be things like putting advertising boards on streets.

"It is possible to improve access without spending thousands of pounds."

Businesses that have implemented changes as a result of the forthcoming act will be invited to share their experiences, while a speaker from the Disability Rights Commission will be on hand to answer questions.

The seminar will be held in the Civic Hall from 9.30am to 4pm on March 25.