SWINDON North MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed an announcement from the country’s top football clubs that they will improve disabled access at their grounds.

The Minister for Disabled People branded the current situation “disgraceful” after a report earlier this week revealed many Premier League stadiums did not have the required amount of disabled spaces.

A host of other problems at stadiums across the country was also identified, including parking spaces being taken by television crews and difficulty getting around the ground.

But on Monday, Premier League bosses confirmed they would comply with the Accessible Stadia Guide by the start of the 2017 season. It was first adopted in 2003 but last year only two top flight clubs were meeting the requirements.

Mr Tomlinson said: “It is fantastic that the Premier League has agreed to step up following this report.

“It really was the last chance saloon for the clubs so I am delighted they have so emphatically agreed with the report.

“My love of sport and going to events is something I take for granted and all people should benefit. As a country we expect to be able to compete to host major sporting events and the standards we set in those stadiums should reach down throughout the country.

“The Olympics set a benchmark which we must maintain everywhere. We commissioned this report to look at all sports across the country and while the Premier League has clearly attracted the most attention I hope other sports and teams will take notice”

The report did not just focus on the Premier but sports grounds across the country, including places like Swindon Town.

Like many football clubs around the country, the County Ground does not have the allocation of disabled spaces it should have.

According to the Level Playing Field website, there are 57 spaces, all at pitch side, when there should be 125 for both home and away supporters, 75 per cent of which need to be in the stands.

Trust STFC have made improving disabled facilities at the ground one of their key aims, especially within a proposed new stand.

The Swindon North MP, who is a member of the trust, fully supports these objectives.

He said: “The trust has come up with some good ideas for increasing disabled access at the club. I am right behind these and hope the club will work with the trust to put them in place.”