A BLACKBURN guide dog owner today asked service providers in the town to open their doors to the blind and disabled.

Bob Dysart, 51, of Fowler Height Close, Blackburn, said that a lack of thinking about disabled people's needs was causing unnecessary problems and distress for guide dog users and stopping them from living a normal life.

Mr Dysart, who is chairman for the Blackburn with Darwen Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: "The problem is most service providers only care about making as much money as possible and don't look logically at the problems guide dog owners face.

"We have to get out to the town centre to shop just like anyone does but the way some shops, restaurants and cafes are designed makes some journeys out a nightmare.

"Issues include the narrow walkways in shops, which mean you are forever knocking stuff off hangers and getting stuck between rails of clothes. Crockery and other breakable goods are often stacked on low shelves, which the dog can knock off is she wags her tail.

"I have even been refused access to shops in the past and in one shop the owner threatened to call the police if I didn't get myself and the dog out. I know of other guide dog owners who have been refused entry to various restaurants."

A survey commissioned by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has found that 50 per cent of service providers, and seven out of ten restaurants, have concerns about accepting guide dogs.

One in ten hotels stated that they are not able to accommodate visually impaired people at any time.

Guide Dogs director of policy, Tom Pey, said: "It is not only inconvenient but also very embarrassing to be refused access because of your guide dog.

"The survey results are very frustrating but it will enable us to better understand the concerns of service providers and work together to overcome the problems guide dog owners face."

In conjunction with the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force this month the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is launching the Open Your Doors campaign to provide practical advice and tips on how to provide a quality service for visually impaired people and guide dog users.