|
|
Greg Mulholland-Working Hard For Leeds North WestMP implores council to examine events viewing policy for disabled people
June 23, 2012 1:03 PM
Greg Mulholland, Member of Parliament for Leeds North West, has complained to Leeds City Council in respect of inadequate viewing facilities for those with disabilities at organised events.
Mr Mulholland made the initial complaint after a constituent, 14 year old Nathan Popple, told him that he was not allowed to use the accessible viewing platform with his family at this Sunday's Temple Newsam Olympic Torch event and instead, was only allowed to use the platform with one 'carer.'
Though Leeds City Council have stated that the organisers of this event are Coca Cola and it is they who have allocated 30 wheelchair user spaces in the celebration, which is expected to attract over 35,000 people, the same policy applies to all Leeds City Council events such as Party in the Park and the showing of football matches at Millennium Square.
Greg Mulholland MP commented:
"I implore the council to look at their policy for accommodating people with disabilities. All people have a right to attend events designed for the public and enjoy them with their family and friends.
"I am aware that the council say that there is only enough room for one wheelchair user and one 'carer' on viewing platforms, but if that is the case, then reasonable adjustments need to be made to the platforms so that more people can accommodated.
"Nathan, along with many other disabled people, was unable to watch Party in the Park with his family last year and also the England World Cup game at Millennium Square in 2010 due to the restrictions placed on those with disabilities and I really hope that the Leeds City Council find a solution to this."