A SUPERMARKET in Welwyn Garden City has removed a security barrier following complaints from disabled customers who claimed it obstructed their access.

Lidl in Moors Walk, which installed an electronic barrier six weeks ago to deter shoplifters, has been forced to remove the security measure because customers using wheelchairs and electric scooters were unable to get into the store.

Brian Wilson, of Lordswood, Welwyn Garden City, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is wheelchair bound, claimed blocking access for immobile customers contravened the Disability and Discrimination Act.

Brian, who has used the chain store to buy household goods for years, said: "I used to go into the store every week, but I couldn't do that any longer because I couldn't get my scooter into the store anymore.

"There are people who can't get off their scooter and walk - I have to use my scooter for means of mobility and I couldn't use the store as I used to."

Now the barrier has been removed following six weeks of petitioning, Mr Wilson and other disabled customers will return to shopping in the store.

He said: "I can get in and out of the store again - I couldn't physically get in when they had the barrier up.

"I will be writing a letter to just say thank you to them - they have corrected something they did wrongly."

No one from Lidl was available for comment at the time of going to press.