A HAMPSHIRE pensioner has accused her bank of failing to comply with new laws that aim to help the disabled.

Shirley Peckham, who suffers from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, is calling for the steps outside HSBC bank in Station Road, New Milton, to be replaced by a ramp.

Mrs Peckham, 70, of Vincent Road, New Milton, said she often had to be helped in and out of the bank by other customers.

"I have difficulty negotiating the steps with my four-wheeled walker and can't risk leaving it outside," she said.

"The other day a woman who was almost at the head of the queue noticed my plight and lifted my walker over the steps. Another customer agreed that access was difficult for people in my position.

"If nothing can be done I will have to consider changing my bank. Doctors and I have spent months getting my condition improved and I can't risk getting into any situation that could set things back.

"None of this should apply because new rules introduced last year say there should be easy access to all public buildings for everyone."

An HSBC spokesman said the New Milton branch had already made several improvements in response to the new Disability Discrimination Act.

"We've installed new grab rails to the stepped entrance and have also upgraded the speech enhancement system and hearing induction loops to improve sound quality for customers with hearing aids," she said.

"The ATM machine has been moved to make it more accessible to wheelchair users.

"We plan to appoint architects to draw up plans for ramped access and will be applying for planning permission early next year."

WHAT DOES THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT MEAN?

Service providers should take "positive steps" to help the disabled.

They may be required to provide an alternative method for making services available to disabled people if a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to use the services.

Simple measures such as allowing more time to deal with a disabled person can help them to use a service.

A disabled person can make a claim against a provider whose services are impossible or unreasonably difficult for him or her to access.