TWO Brecon banks have been singled out for their services to disabled customers. But while staff at the town's Barclays Bank are celebrating after being praised for their efforts to improve disabled access to their branch, high street rival Natwest has come in for stinging criticism. The Good Access Awards have been compiled by disabled rights body Brecknock Access Group, which campaigns to improve access to buildings and services for disabled people throughout the county. The group has praised Barclays for the efforts it has made to improve the accessibility of its Bulwark branch to disabled customers and recognised it with the first Good Access Award. But Natwest is set for the 'wooden spoon.' The branch was at the centre of a controversy in April, when group members complained of an inferior service, which even saw the group close its Natwest bank account. Now the branch has been nominated for the 'wooden spoon' in the group's Good Access Awards. The awards are meant to highlight best practice in service delivery and access to disabled customers. Dave Summers, chair of the group's Brecon branch, praised the efforts of Barclays in making the branch accessible to disabled people. "The bank faced enormous problems making its listed building fully accessible. We are so pleased with the improvements they have made that we have transferred the group's bank account there," said Dave. But he complained that Natwest has been slow to make similar improvements: "The Natwest Bank in Brecon has been cited for its unwillingness to make no more than derisory efforts to make its services available to the disabled." Natwest says it is working with Powys County Council to find a permanent solution to its access problems. Aled Williams, Media Relations Manager for Natwest in Wales, said: "We take our responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act extremely seriously and are committed to providing level access to our branches wherever possible. "Regrettably, at Brecon, there is not space for an external ramp. We are continuing to work with our architects and talking to the local council to find a permanent level access solution. In the meantime, we have supplied the branch with a portable ramp. "From our discussions with the council, we understand that the paved area on High Street will be subject to an upgrade in the near future, which should ensure level access to the branch." Brecknock Access Group president Joyce Williams said they planned to announce award winners regularly throughout this year: "The aim is to encourage shops and businesses to respond positively to the problems faced by people with disabilities. We also want to make it clear they and their families will only spend their cash where they are given equal treatment." The Hay Cinema Bookshop and J's Newsagents in Ystradgynlais were also recognised for their positive attitudes towards the disabled in the awards. The group now plans to publish a guide to accessible buildings and services throughout Brecknockshire next year. Members are already busy contacting shops and service providers of all kinds throughout the county to find out their policies and practices in dealing with the disabled and the frail and elderly. Any disabled, or non-disabled people willing to help the group compile its guide can contact the group's Volunteer Co-ordinator, Carol Wothers, on 01874 611401 e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]
