New customers will be rolling up to the Castle pub in King Charles Road, Surbiton, after the landlord put in a disabled access ramp.

After nearly a quarter of a century of requests to publicans in the area by regulars such as Katie Trujillo, a ramp has finally been installed by the Castles new landlord.

Mrs Trujillo said: Before I had to go to the pub and depend on other people to help me get in but now I go whenever I like.

For 24 years I have been trying and now we finally have a ramp.

Mrs Trujillo, who is herself wheelchair bound, knows how hard it can be for disabled people to get around and is thrilled with the new facility.

Landlord John Campbell, who lives in Ham, said: We are trying to build links with the church and the community.

It didnt cost much to put in and it gives people easy access which is important. Any new pub which is built has to have ramps so this was just us moving with the times.

The ramp cost Mr Campbell hundreds of pounds to put in but he has seen business improve as a result.

A spokesman for Kingston Centre for Independent Living said: We would encourage any retailer in Kingston to make their business wheelchair accessible.

For more information on installing a ramp phone the centre on 020 8255 2444.

By.David Rankin