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Wheelchair hoist at bank after teen's victory
A WHEELCHAIR hoist which a Sheffield bank was forced to install after losing a long-running court battle with a disabled customer is now available for use.
David Allen, aged 18, took legal action against the Royal Bank of Scotland when the firm failed to implement wheelchair access at their Church Street branch in Sheffield city centre.
David, who has muscular dystrophy, was awarded 6,500 in damages last year at Sheffield County Court, with a judge ruling the bank had breached the Disability Discrimination Act. The teenager, of Harley Road, Bents Green, had been told he could use internet banking facilities - but he said he wanted to speak to banking staff over the counter.
The bank lost an appeal against the ruling, and was again ordered to carry out the 200,000 alterations at the 19th century, Grade II listed branch, which was only accessible by a set of stone steps.
Nigel Meffen, from RBS, said the new platform lift is "the best on the market".
He added: "The hoist has been installed and it's all ready to go. We're happy that we've put a quality hoist in place to serve our disabled customers.
"It's good to know this matter has come to a conclusion."
Following the ruling, David said the bank "failed to understand anything about privacy and dignity."
He added: "I only wanted them to provide disabled access so I could get into my bank like my friends."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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