TRADERS from the Eastleigh area have been saluted for providing top service to disabled customers.

More than 140 shopkeepers have been awarded the borough council's accessibility award.

Now in its third year, the scheme acknowledges retailers in the town and neighbouring shopping areas whose efforts ensure that people with restricted mobility can shop in comfort and safety.

The award is also designed to highlight the new responsibilities and duties of retailers laid down by the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force next month.

The latest award presentations were made at a breakfast reception hosted by the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor June Hughes, at The Point Dance and Arts Centre.

In the past, shoppers in wheelchairs have been asked to give points for how easy it is to get in and out of shops.

But as the number of shops to visit increased, they started to find that the task was becoming too big for them.

So this year more than 200 outlets were assessed by teams of students from Barton Peveril College on behalf of Eastleigh Shopmobility team.

For the first time shops in Boyatt Wood, Nightingale Avenue and Twyford Road were looked at. Councillor Steve Sollitt, chairman of Eastleigh Council's Eastleigh local area committee, said: "Once again I am very pleased to announce that retailers and staff were, in general, very helpful.

"Eastleigh has a first-class track record for making all people welcome in the town. This scheme highlights and acknowledges those outlets who are able to offer assistance to people who need a little extra help when shopping."

Eastleigh and District Disability Forum is planning to have a seminar on October 29, which will highlight how retailers and services can comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.