More seats for elderly (From Enfield Independent)

More seats for elderly

10:13am Friday 22nd January 2010

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As chairman of the Enfield Borough Over 50’s Forum, I frequently receive letters asking if the forum can take up an issue on behalf of older people.

I recently received one on the subject of the availability of seating in our shops. A quick round-up of the larger shops in Enfield showed few provide such a facility.

It is probably the same for our other Enfield shopping centres. Some stores, such as Marks & Spencer, cite health and safety reasons for removing chairs. As my correspondent said: “Surely to have an elderly or disabled person collapse on the floor presents more danger to health and safety?”

I have also noticed space between displays is becoming ever narrower and more difficult to negotiate. In Enfield shopping precinct, it is noticeable that a number of seats have been removed to make room for shopping stalls.

Surely, at a time when retail outlets are chasing profit, a bit of obvious concern for customer care would not be out of place?

Older and disabled people need places where they can rest if they are to be able to continue shopping. Do our larger stores have anything to say about this problem and are they actually prepared to do something about it?

IRENE RICHARDS, chairman, Enfield Over 50’s Forum

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