Popeyes make big changes for wheelchair users in Brighton

Popeyes has confirmed it has improved the access to its branch in North Street, Brighton, after a story by The Argus revealed the existing arrangements were unsuitable for people in wheelchairs.

The step at the entrance of the store (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The fried chicken chain has bought a new, portable wheelchair ramp which will be installed by staff whenever a disabled customer wants to enter.

Popeyes has also installed a bell system to notify staff when the ramp is needed.

This comes after Georgina Moonesinghe, who suffers from nerve damage in her lower back, said her visit to the American fast food chain was "humiliating".

When she visited the restaurant two weeks ago, she discovered a "giant step" between her and the entrance. 

A staff member brought out a ramp which Georgina felt was not fit-for-purpose. She said: "It was almost at a 45 degree angle, it took my wife and a member of the public to help me up and into the store."

• Read more: Woman describes 'humiliation' at popular fast food restaurant Popeyes

Tom Smith, head of operations for Popeyes in the South of England, met Georgina to see what improvements could be made. He said: "I met with her, along with a local accessibility adviser.

"The three of us talked through the challenges of that particular site, they talked me through the reasons why the ramp wasn't suitable.

"I did a risk assessment on it, and they gave me some advice on what they thought was the right approach. So we ordered a new ramp, which arrived before the weekend.

"On Monday this week, we trained the team on how to use it, and it's now installed and ready to be used.

"Hopefully they'll be down for lunch some time soon."

The new ramp at Popeyes (Image: Popeyes)

The ramp has a slighter gradient than its predecessor, to make it easier for people in wheelchairs.

Tom added: "The ramp is more user friendly and easy for the team to install.

"Hospitality is absolutely key for us. We don't ever want to be in a position where people feel like they're not welcome, so I'm glad we were able to fix it quickly."