A PROPOSED legal change to make public buildings more accessible is "a great step forward" according to Scottish Disability Equality Forum (SDEF).

The change would place an increased duty on those responsible for public buildings, and is included within the Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill.

Currently "reasonable action" must be taken where a physical feature such as a step makes access to a public building difficult. The bill proposes a duty to provide a ramp in place of a single step.

Robert Ferguson, disability access officer at SDEF said a change would directly benefit Scotland's 120,000 wheelchair users.

"Entry to buildings remains a significant problem," he said.

"Many wheelchair users are still unable to access employment, education, healthcare or leisure activities."