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Monday, 6th September 2010

Store giant HMV under fire over disabled access

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Published Date:
30 July 2010
A music-lover is taking on entertainment giant HMV because he says it is discriminating against disabled people.
Martin Long, who has multiple sclerosis, says the firm's store in Commercial Road, Portsmouth, is letting disabled people down by putting DVDs and CDs on the second floor.

The shop has a lift but it is only available for staff use.

Mr Long, 44, who is a retired health and safety inspector and is now chairman of a Portsmouth MS support group, said: 'I'm an avid music collector and there is no reason why HMV need to discriminate in this way.'

'By putting the majority of their stock upstairs they are preventing anyone who is in a wheelchair, is less able, or has a pushchair from browsing their shop.'

Mr Long, of Shakespeare Road, Fratton, said: 'I asked a shop assistant if there was a lift but he said it was only for staff use. I don't think they're trying to make it easy for people in my position at all.'

'It's a shame they decided to move everything upstairs in the first place.'

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 says that businesses should take reasonable actions to make sure disabled customers can access their goods or services.

Martin has written to HMV's head office but has so far not received a response.

When approached for a comment, HMV said concerns about access to its Commercial Road store have led the firm to consider moving it to a building with a more suitable location.

Spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: 'We do our best to look after all our customers' needs, and our store-team is always happy to help provide a service by alternative means, such as bringing a selection of products downstairs for a customer.

'In the case of our store in Commercial Road we carried out a feasibility study in line with DDA compliance requirements and were advised that installing a passenger lift would not be viable given the nature and construction of the building. We also responded to customer feedback by moving the children's section downstairs to the ground floor to give improved access for parents with pushchairs and buggies.'

He added that the company owns another shop in Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays which does have wheelchair access.

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  • Last Updated: 30 July 2010 4:55 PM
  • Source: The News
  • Location: Portsmouth
 
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1

Lil Mac,

Portsmouth 30/07/2010 09:51:22
Well done Martin!!
I've moaned about this shop for years, as i have a pushchair I am also unable to get upstairs which is very difficult at Christmas!!

I hope this does get resolved
2

JimBobBatchelor,

30/07/2010 10:24:05
I've also moaned about this shop for years, its nowhere near as good as Our Price
3

Scott McGarveys Perm,

Portsmouth 30/07/2010 11:11:44
It's a much better store at Gunwharf quays and they have a lift that everyone can use.
4

pmpycj,

Portsmouth 30/07/2010 11:36:14
Though every store should be disabled friendly the problem with a lot of the buildings on commercial road, such as the one HMV is located in, is that there is simply no way of putting in a lift without doing major renovation work which would be extremely costly.
However, while I do sympathise with Mr Long, as Post 3 pointed out (and is stated in the article) there is a very good HMV, probably a better one, located in gunwharf which is disabled friendly... as a music lover surely it should be there that he heads too...?
5

Whitters,

30/07/2010 15:08:09
There are many thousands of shops around the country that do not have disabled access to some areas of the building. Its called Grandfather Rights and it would be unrealistic to expect every single little shop to meet the cost of being brought into line with a relatively new act of law. I agree however that if the staff lift is SUITABLE for use by a wheelchair (I can not remember off the top of my head I am afraid) then it should be made available.

To do so would take many more shop fronts out of business and one must really weigh the pro's and con's of this.

You can argue however, that HMV have attempted to comply with the DDA 2005 by offering the same level of service at their Gunwharf Quays store which is fully accessible.
6

the hez,

30/07/2010 16:16:03
shop online.
7

the_riddle,

Copnor 30/07/2010 17:13:17
The DDA set out to make as many premises as possible accessible, but existing premises only have to conform when major works are carried out.

This fella should think himself lucky he lives in a city as flat as Portsmouth, how do the people of Bristol cope in the areas of that city where roads are on hills at impossible gradients?

Also, has this fella never heard of Play.com or Amazon or even HMV.com??? That's where the bargains are anyway, so he can do all his music shopping from the comfort of his home!
8

,

30/07/2010 17:31:17
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
9

Boo22,

Southsea 30/07/2010 21:57:51
Dear oh Dear... The ill informed and uneduacated remarking on a topic they know little about.
You don't have to be in a wheelcahir to be disabled, what about those who have had a stroke, a brain injury, or even have MS?

It is because of that very mentality and narrow mindedness that those of us who are disabled need to make people and companies aware that they should meet the needs of everyone.

What if he can only go that distance, and is unable to get to Gunwharf? I'm not in a wheelchair and I can't access the second floor of HMV in commercial road.

I will gladly give you my disability in return to be able to climb a flight of stairs..
10

J2J,

Portsmouth 02/08/2010 13:27:21
In response to comment 9 - I too am disabled and cannot manage stairs unaided. However, I either get a bus or taxi to Gunwharf or, as others have suggested, I shop online.

Whilst I appreciate your point, many companies are well aware of their obligations and have made excellent efforts in recent years. However, buildings such as this (and many others on Commercial Road) were designed and built when legislation was not as good as it is now. The costs of adapting them may be prohibitive, and I think we should be realistic about what is and isn't possible.

Where there is genuine injustice I'm happy to fight it, but why create a battle for its' own sake? I'd rather take a positive outlook on what I can do rather than be defined by what I can't.
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