Merton Council is helping improve accessibility in Mitcham town centre by providing local businesses with portable ramps, so residents who use mobility aids can better access shops on the high street. 

The initiative was developed in collaboration with Merton Centre for Independent Living (Merton CIL) and their Access Champions – a group of local deaf and disabled advocates. It was informed by their feedback in the Mitcham Matters consultation, published in 2024, that sought views on how to improve and revitalise Mitcham town centre.  

Merton CIL’s Access Champions highlighted barriers people with disabilities face when they visit town centres, and they helped identify priority businesses that could provide step-free access for their premises. The portable ramps give businesses an easy solution to support customers using wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility aids. Nine businesses have now received ramps, and they have a window sticker to clearly indicate that step-free access is available. 

Deputy Leader, Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, said:   

We’re committed to ensuring our town centres are vibrant, welcoming spaces where residents and visitors want to shop and spend time. This includes making our high streets more accessible, so that everyone can enjoy what they have to offer. 

By working with our partner Merton CIL and their fantastic team of Access Champions, this initiative directly reflects the lived experiences and needs of our residents. It removes barriers for people who use mobility aids, while also supporting local businesses by helping them welcome more customers. 

We’re proud to be investing in Mitcham town centre as part of our wider work in making Merton a destination where everyone who lives, works and visits can thrive.

The initiative was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – a government initiative aimed to build pride in place and support local communities and businesses across the UK.  

Pippa Maslin, Policy and Campaigns Manager and Staying Safe and Safeguarding Lead at Merton CIL added:  

Merton Centre for Independent Living’s Access Champions are Disabled residents united by the aim to make Merton and beyond as accessible as possible. Volunteering their time and energy, they harness their lived experience, knowledge and skills to break down barriers. 

The Access Champions are really happy to have collaborated with the Mitcham Town Centre Manager, Mark Warren, to introduce step-free access to a number of businesses in Mitcham. When a shop, café or restaurant does not have level access or a ramp, this discriminates against users of mobility aids, as they cannot get inside the premises. Furthermore, the businesses lose out as well. 

Merton CIL is certain that by making more of Mitcham step-free, many residents and visitors will have more choice and control over where they go and what they do. We hope that other local businesses in Merton will be inspired by the change.

Learn more about the Mitcham town centre regeneration project on the council’s website. 

Visit Merton CIL’s website for more information on their work and the Access Champions, who can help provide advice to other businesses on making premises more inclusive.