A HIGH Street coffee shop has vowed to improve access for customers in wheelchairs following criticism from a town centre management group.
Costa Coffee, located close to Pump Corner, had a wheelchair lift installed at the front entrance when the premises was converted from a bank in 2007.
But the lift was removed during recent refurbishment works, meaning all customers must now climb a short flight of steps to enter the cafe.
After discussing the issue at the most recent meeting of the Dorking Town Centre Forum, members resolved to investigate whether the company was breaking the law.
A Costa spokeswoman explained that the lift had been repeatedly vandalised and was decommissioned after it was found to be beyond repair.
She said: "We are now in the process of obtaining a brand new lift. We would like to apologise for the delay in the interim and the disruption this may have caused. In the meantime, our team members will assist customers in any way they can. Our baristas are able to take drinks to customers outside the store and are more than happy to provide our customers with assistance in entering the store."
