TOURISM businesses in the county are being urged to start taking steps to comply with forthcoming disability legislation.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 says all businesses should take "reasonable steps" to make sure disabled people are not disadvantaged when using facilities.

The Heart of England Tourist Board (HETB) is advising businesses in the county to start thinking about what is needed now, before the legislation becomes enforceable in October 2004.

The HETB, which is based in Larkhill Road, Worcester, is helping to fund a pilot scheme that aims to prove what can be done with limited budgets.

"The pilot scheme aims to prove that with a small investment, tourism businesses can be enjoyed by greater numbers of people," said Lisa Ashdown, development officer at HETB.

"Everybody's getting panicky about the new legislation coming into effect, but they have to realise that only "reason- able steps" are required.

"It's little things like the colour of the hand towels. If you have a white bathroom, make sure you have dark towels, so partially-sighted guests can find them easily.

"Everybody thinks of disabled people as being in a wheelchair but there are hundreds of types of disability.

"We are here if anyone has any questions or queries."

The HETB can help all kinds of tourism-related businesses, including pubs and restaurants, B&Bs and leisure facilities.

Sir William Lawrence, chairman of the HETB, and a wheelchair user, said that through the pilot scheme, the region's many attractions would become accessible to everyone.

"The Heart of England region is synonymous with quality and through initiatives like this, the region's many attractions and accommodations are becoming available for all people to enjoy.

"We encourage all tourism businesses to help make the Heart of England region an accessible destination."

To receive a copy of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, firms can phone Lisa Ashdown at the HETB on 01905 761126.