A BAKERY found to be failing disabled people by not complying with a key law has changed its policies.

The Press revealed last October that a number of city centre shop entrances were not conforming with the Disability Discrimination Act, which states stores should be accessible for all.

By going out with Laura Branigan, a mobility scooter user, we found one of the shops letting down their customers was Thomas the Baker, in Market Street.

The store's large step made it impossible for Ms Branigan to go inside and staff said they were unable to put a portable ramp in place because the building is Listed.

However, the York-based company has changed its policy and says it now has a portable ramp, and staff are trained to serve disabled customers at the entrance.

John Thomas, chairman of the bakery, said: “Since the article was published last October we have had a portable ramp built to facilitate wheelchair access.

"Our teams endeavour to be as helpful as possible to all our customers whether able bodied or disabled."

But the move has been met with a mixed response from disability groups in York, who still want more to be done.

Ms Branigan said: "This still emphasises the idea that you're different and they want to do something to help you.

"It's humiliating because it doesn't allow your full inclusion in society and treats you like a special case, but it's better than nothing.

"Lightweight ramps are very accessible and there's no reason why you can't have one."

A spokeswoman for Healthwatch York added: "The ultimate goal should be for York to be as accessible as possible for everybody.

"If you can change the Minster then surely you can change everywhere."

But Marije Davidson, chairman of York Independent Living Network, praised the changes.

She said: "This is good news, especially 20 years after the DDA became law and five years after the Equality Act replaced the DDA."

"It shows reasonable adjustments don't have to be difficult or complicated. Small steps can make a big difference and it should help Thomas the Baker attract more customers."