'Lack of accessibility makes you feel left out'

James Bedding said small steps in front of St Helier shops could be a "nightmare" for wheelchair users

A wheelchair user in Jersey has said access for disabled people needs to improve as the Channel Islands joins an international movement raising awareness of disabled customers.

Organisations are participating in Purple Tuesday, a day for retailers to focus on improving the experience of disabled people and their families.

James Bedding, who is paralysed from the neck down, said accessibility in Jersey was "going in the right direction" but "there's a lot of space for improvement".

He said events such as Purple Tuesday were vital for raising awareness of the needs of disabled customers.

Landmarks and businesses across Jersey will be lit up in purple to celebrate Purple Tuesday

Landmarks across the island will be lit up in purple for the evening to raise awareness of the event.

Mr Bedding said Jersey businesses could make small changes to improve accessibility.

He said many shops in St Helier have small steps up to their door which were a "nightmare" for wheelchair users.

"It can make you feel a little bit frustrated and a little bit left out," he said.

"Places ideally should have a doorbell outside so a wheelchair user could possibly ring their doorbell and staff would have a ramp they could come and put out."

The BBC has contacted the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Jersey Business for the view of businesses.

Cirsty de Gruchy Moseley has worked with Jersey businesses ahead of Purple Tuesday

Guernsey charity UnLtd said it was trying to improve the lives of disabled shoppers with plans for a new transport service.

The charity already runs a shopping service where a driver takes people with disabilities to the CI Coop, but it was now raising money to buy a wheelchair accessible bus to increase its capacity.

Tim Feak, from UnLtd, said he needed more retailers to contribute to the costs of the expanded shopping service but added at least 1,500 people a year could benefit from it.

"By businesses making themselves accessible to people with disabilities they're helping themselves and they're helping open up our community," he said.

'Valuable asset'

Cirsty de Gruchy Moseley, from Jersey disability and community health organisation Connecting Communities, said she had worked with businesses to encourage them to think about accessibility on Purple Tuesday.

"If we don't get it right we're not serving our whole island and everyone has a right to take part in all parts of life," she said.

Tricia Warwick, the chief executive of Visit Jersey, said she would like the island to become a leading destination for accessible tourism.

"This is our first year participating, and we are excited to join a growing global movement," she said.

"We hope to inspire islanders and local businesses to think more deeply about accessibility – not just as an obligation, but as a valuable asset for our community and a business opportunity."