Caffé Nero on Golders Green Road became the first coffee shop in the area to install better disabled access following a local campaign by Mike Freer MP. Following reports that his disabled constituents were struggling to access shops on the high street, Mike Freer contacted several of the coffee shops and stores in the area to make them aware of the problem.
The first shop to sign up to Mike’s campaign was Caffé Nero who installed the new disabled ramp early last week. A ‘doorbell’ like system was also installed at the cafe to allow disabled customers to make staff aware they need assistance to enter the building.
Mike Freer met with his constituent Matthew Kayne, a disabled charity fundraiser, to visit Caffé Nero and use the newly available access ramps. Speaking from the coffee house, Mike said “I’m delighted Caffé Nero have immediately responded to my campaign for better disabled access. It’s important everyone in Golders Green can use our local high street, regardless of mobility problems. I will continue to lobby local stores to make themselves wheelchair friendly.”
A Caffè Nero spokesperson said: “Caffè Nero aims to be a community gathering spot for all; a place to meet friends, read a paper or simply relax in comfortable surroundings. It was for this reason that we have made sure that there is a temporary access ramp available at our store in Golders Green, which the team can use for their customers as and when needed.”
Mike has invited local residents to contact him online or on the telephone if they are aware of a store in the area that does not have disabled access. The MP has promised to work constructively with local businesses to improve accessibility to the local stores.