Debenhams will become the first retailer to be prosecuted under the Disability Discrimination Act for failing to improve physical access to goods and services within its Derby store, writes Clare Jerrom.

Wheelchair user Greg Jackson is suing the retailer because he has been denied access to a section of the menswear department, according to the Disability Rights Commission.

Chair of the DRC Bert Massie said: “An independent report for the DRC shows that some 20 Debenhams stores pose similar access barriers to those found in Derby.”

“This is unacceptable,” he added.

Part three of the DDA places specific duties on shops and businesses that provide services to the public to alter, adapt or remove barriers that make it unreasonably difficult for disabled people to receive fair treatment.