Shoppers tested the access for disabled people

Newport was one of 11 cities where shoppers tested facilities on behalf of the Disability Rights Commission.

Along with Birmingham, it was rated as highest, outperforming London, Leeds and Bristol.

The survey was carried out as new access laws are enforced.

Shoppers were deployed to test the facilities in several cities and asked to buy an item of clothing, make a trip to the cinema and a pub and have lunch.

It was one of the few city centres I've visited which was totally disabled person friendly A shopper in the survey

Newport was ranked as the highest after the shoppers reported good access and staff attitudes towards disability.

One of the shoppers said: "It was one of the few city centres I've visited which was totally disabled person friendly."

But despite the praise, the DRC said that the city still had work to be done in certain areas to provide access for all.

Dr Kevin Fitzpatrick, the Wales commissioner for the DRC said: "Whilst it's clear that some shops and services are getting it right for the disabled consumer there are those that have done little or nothing to prepare for the legislation.

"I'm delighted that our shoppers had a relatively positive experience in Newport, but we must not be complacent.

"I am aware that many businesses, such as those on Lower Dock Street, have significant access problems for disabled people," he said.

Assistance

The findings from the survey carried out in Newport's city centre showed that staff in cafes, pubs and on the buses were especially alert and helpful to the needs of disabled shoppers.

But that there was a consistent lack of large print signs and menus to assist partially sighted shoppers as well as a lack of loops to assist hard of hearing people.

And disabled shoppers in the city are more likely to have to use alternative entrances rather than the main entrance.

Newport Council admitted there was more to be done in the city to improve access.

"I'm delighted this independent survey has confirmed the very positive attitudes and provisions in Newport," said Graham Bingham, the corporate director for the council.

"As a council we have been working closely with Newport Access Group to make both our buildings and local businesses more user friendly for disabled persons.

"There's no room for complacency and we've more to do, but this recognition of how well we compare with the rest of the country is a boost to all those concerned to take this important work forward," he added.

Along with Newport, shoppers went to London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Norwich, Southampton, Plymouth, Bristol and Newcastle upon Tyne.

On 1 October, the Disability Discrimination Act will be enforced in full, which means the physical barriers will have to be removed to allow reasonable access to public buildings for everyone.