"Access Alert: Stop Discrimination Now" MEP

11.57.45am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Jun 2006

Hundreds of stores around the West Midlands are failing many of their disabled customers, Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP for the region and Vice President of the European Parliament's Disability Intergroup, warned today.

Research released this week by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) found that disabled people were unable to access at least 40% of the Arcadia Group's stores which include the well known high-street names; Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Burton and Evans.

Speaking in Brussels today, Liz Lynne said:

"The DRC's research shows just how far we have to go to ensure disabled people have the same access and opportunities to shop as everyone else. Many retail establishments, even without meaning to, are excluding potential disabled customers."

"Even this week a store in my constituency, the Stafford branch of Burtons, was unable to provide access to a disabled customer, due to their entry steps, and is now facing legal action. Unfortunately this situation is an all too common occurrence and really needs to be addressed."

"Today I am calling on all retailers, and most especially large department stores, to ensure that they are user-friendly and accessible to all of their customers. This really is not too much to ask."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.Liz Lynne MEP is Rapporteur for the 2006-7 Disability Action Plan and President of the Liberal Democrat Disability Association.

2.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5049098.stm

3.Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act requires anyone providing goods or services to make reasonable adjustments to improve accessibility for disabled people. Further information can be found at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/.