No-go zones for disabled

Many high streets remain a no-go zone for the disabled despite legislation to improve access, according to a report today.

Research by the Disability Rights Commission found major obstacles for disabled shoppers and those using public transport.

The findings come as all businesses will, from Friday, be required to make reasonable changes to ensure they are accessible to Britain's 10million disabled. The DRC asked 11 disabled people across England and Wales to spend the day shopping, having lunch and going to cinemas and pubs.

None reported a hassle-free trip, with nine describing major problems. Manchester and Plymouth were so bad the researchers said they would not return. None had visited London.

The latest part of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 means companies will have to ensure premises are adapted. More than two million businesses will be affected.

DRC chairman Bert Massie said: "Some shops and services are getting it right, but there are those that have done little or nothing."