Argos, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's and Asda were among the firms supporting Purple Tuesday this week.

Purple Tuesday is a national initiative to encourage businesses to recognise the potential for improving trade by helping people with disabilities access retail premises and to enjoy their visit. Ideas include making shops, restaurants etc. more accessible and less cluttered, and to train staff in helping disabled customers to be confident in visiting.

It has been shown that people with disabilities, and their families, have a purchasing power of £249 billion per year. However 75 per cent of people asked have abandoned an intended shop visit because of physical access or poor service issues.

Weymouth & Portland Access Group campaigns to improve accessibility to shops, services, and the environment generally, across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell. It works with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset County Council and have links with Weymouth BID.

The group's next meeting will be held at the Safewise Centre, Radipole Lane, Weymouth on Monday, December 10 from 2pm to 4pm. Information about Weymouth and Portland Access Group is available on www.weymouth-access.co.uk.