Local Disabled Survey shows Big Access Problems

11.08.08am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 10th Oct 2006

A detailed survey of Hampton Wick shopping centre by RAID (Richmond Advice and Information on Disability) shows that a large majority of premises have serious access barriers for disabled people. An earlier survey in Teddington had showed the same story. Vincent Cable MP has joined RAID in calling on businesses and the Council to do more to ensure that the Disability Discriminating Act is complied with. The main conclusions were:

a) 75% of premises were inaccessible because of large steps (the figure in Teddington was 55%)

b) Only 3 publicly accessible toilets were accessible to disabled people out of 15 ie 20% (as against 10% in Teddington)

c) Despite the physical obstacles, a large majority of premises had staff who were willing to help (in contrast to Teddington)

d) No premises indicated that they welcomed guide dogs

Vincent Cable said: "It is depressing that despite the existence of strong legislation giving guarantees of public access to the disabled, most shops, cafes and banks seem to disregard them. There is goodwill and a willingness to help but disabled people are still effectively barred from most shops and eateries."