Not acceptable (From Penarth Times)

Not acceptable

I FEEL I must respond to Mark Andrews regarding the glass doors at both entrances to Windsor Arcade.

Let me make it clear that I think Windsor Arcade and Windsor Chambers look splendid and I congratulate the company on the improvements to our town centre.

However, I stand by what I said and I notice that 'push' signs have been put on the doors since my article appeared.

I now know of at least five people who have walked into them and people who have stopped me in the street to say they think they are dangerous.

It is not good enough to say people are now used to them and will not walk into them again. Hopefully, we get visitors to our town and they will not be used to them.

Apart from their poor visibility, Mark Andrews then admits they are difficult for disabled people to use and that "they might need some help" in opening them.

This is just not acceptable. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 states that "it is unlawful for a provider of services to discriminate against a disabled person".

Examples of the provision of services includes, "access to and use of any place which members of the public are permitted to enter".

I really don't want to be awkward about this, but I urge Mark Andrews to contact the Disability Rights Commission for advice about the doors before someone takes the owners to court for injury.

Lorraine Barrett AM Cardiff Bay