AS a wheelchair user I am writing in response to a letter published in the Citizen on Thursday, November 18, from Mrs Angela Norris, about her problems touring round town with her scooter.

As a wheelchair user myself I can sympathise with Mrs Norris as I encounter the same problems.

Apart from the problems with drop kerbs, the one thing that prevents me gaining independent access to any public service is a doorstep or steps. These prevent access for any wheelchair or scooter.

The charity Scope is currently running a campaign regarding the new responsibilities of public service providers that came into force on October 1, this year, as part of the Disability Discrimination Act.

This was a landmark day for people with disabilities, giving us new rights, with one of these being that if we face discrimination we can challenge the service provider, either public or private, through court.

If the service provider takes everything on board there still remains the staff. The key to success is staff attitude.

Disabled people repeatedly report that staff attitudes are the key to a quality experience.

Well-designed buildings can be rendered inaccessible by hostile or ignorant staff and equally, some buildings with poor physical access can still be a pleasure for many disabled customers, if staff are helpful and courteous.

Training staff in understanding and respecting the needs of disabled customers is to my mind the essential starting point for all retailers.

John Coxhead, Bristol Avenue, Leyland