VOLUNTEERS took to the streets and tested businesses to see how user-friendly they are for disabled people.

Volunteers from St Cecilia's Cheshire Home, Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, tested premises in Bromley High Street.

Staff were joined by two disabled residents and of the five businesses tested, four fared well but the steps of the Alliance and Leicester building could not be accessed by people in wheelchairs.

Volunteers also felt many cash machines were not secure because they could not hide their pin numbers as well as if they were standing.

The test was organised as part of Make a Difference Day, run by the Community Service Volunteers group.

Jo Letts, the leisure and projects co-ordinator at St Cecilia's home, which offers services to disabled people, said: "Our disabled volunteers chose the places they visit regularly so we could highlight any difficulties they have in using the service."

An Alliance and Leicester spokesman said: "Over the past couple of years, we have invested significantly to upgrade our branches but in some cases this is not easily achievable.

"We will look to see whether another solution can be achieved.

"However, we cannot guarantee this will be possible."