Ref. 29669-9WHEELCHAIR user Shirley Jones is frustrated with the lack of shopping facilities for the disabled at Lidl supermarket.

Shirley, 71, from Park North, has decided to boycott the store in Chapel Street, because there are no trolleys or baskets suitable for wheelchair users.

She said: "It's ridiculous. I've never been into a supermarket like it. Shopping there is a nightmare because I can't use the trolleys or baskets."

She first visited the store last December and was encouraged by the provision of disabled parking.

But the special facilities stopped there and, if she hadn't been accompanied by her daughter, Linda Duffy, 49, she would not even have been able to get inside.

She said: "There are flaps on the entrance barrier and I kept banging my head on them. It's not safe for wheelchair users to shop there alone. In fact it's impossible."

Shirley claims staff are scarce and there is no one to help customers pack their bags.

Her daughter complained about the service but it took three months to receive a response.

Shirley said: "The regional manager said I can call the store manager when I want to shop there, who will make arrangements to move the barrier. But that's only half the problem. And what about all the other disabled people?"

She has decided to shop elsewhere. She said: "Discrimination against the disabled shouldn't be encouraged. So I'm taking my business elsewhere. I never have any problems in Sainsbury's or other big supermarkets."

Fellow wheelchair user Lyndea Gawke, the chairwoman of The New Phoenix Disability Resource Centre, has also stopped using Lidl stores.

Mrs Gawke, 59, from Stratton, said: "Lidl is just round the corner from where I live but I've stopped going there. The lack of facilities for us is disgusting. And the customer care leaves much to be desired.

"No one is there to help you reach things from the shelves or pack your shopping."

Lidl refused to comment.

Victoria Tagg