Not only steps block wheelchair user Mr Robinson's path

Brecknock Access Group (BAG) said some companies were not complying and accused others of blocking pavements.

In Brecon, BAG said a 70mm step at the entrance to a branch of NatWest bank made wheelchair access difficult.

The bank said it had a ramp which was a temporary measure. The Disability Discrimination Act became law in 2004.

Wheelchair user, Alex Robinson, 46, and Terry Ottewell, 66, who is blind, were both injured and disabled while serving in the army.

Both members of BAG, they said the law had been introduced to help people like them, but it was not working.

As well as advertising boards blocking pavements, the group said motorists sometimes blocked drop-kerbs, designed for wheelchairs.

It just costs too much for an access group like ours or an individual to take on these large companies Alex Robinson

"It's illegal not to provide decent access, but if companies offer a reasonable explanation then the only option disabled people have is to take these people on in the courts," Mr Robinson said.

"But it costs too much for an access group like ours or an individual to take on these large companies in the courts.

"But to firms like NatWest, which make millions of pounds every year, installing a decent access system should be a drop in the ocean."

Mr Ottewell said under the law shops could not block pavements but claimed this was not being enforced in Brecon.

"Brecon is known for its narrow streets but some pavements are partially blocked and this makes it very difficult for people with disabilities to get around," he added.

NatWest said work by Powys Council to pedestrianise Brecon town centre would improve access to its branch.

"The (ramp's) gradient has been approved under the Disability Discrimination Act," said a bank spokesman.

Some pavements are partially blocked and this makes it very difficult for people with disabilities Terry Ottewell

"This is a temporary measure. We have been working with the local council and the street is subject to redevelopment.

"Plans are imminent and there will be level access soon so wheelchair users can access the branch without a ramp."

But the council said work scheduled for next year may not include improving access to NatWest.

The Disability Rights Commission said it was "surprised" NatWest had not solved the problem.

A spokesman said: "The bank has been under an obligation to find alternative access since 1999 and specifically moving, altering or avoiding physical barriers since 2004.

"I am somewhat surprised a large bank like NatWest has not solved this in a creative way."

About 10 million people in the UK have rights under the act - including people with cancer and HIV as well as wheelchair-users, blind and deaf people.