Disabled people travelling to watch an event at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle should be aware there are no wheelchairs for hire and must take their own along with a carer.
Sheila Wheatley from Newton Aycliffe needs a wheelchair and was really looking forward to seeing Andre Rieu and Orchestra. She booked her seat with Premier Events who arranged to take her to the show by car.
Sheila arrived early and had to wait an hour until the doors opened only to be told she could not hire a wheelchair. She attempted to walk and really struggled, so much so that she collapsed and ended up in hospital missing the show altogether.
Sheila discovered that wheelchair users with carers are allowed and carers get in free. Disabled people on scooters also have a special reserved area, but due to health and safety rules in the 10,000 seater arena the management do not hire wheelchairs and carers take full responsibility for the person in their charge.
REPLY FROM METRO ARENA
I think the point is that if Premier Events or the lady concerned had called our venue prior to booking, then they would have known none were available for hire, and never have been. We always take special needs issues very seriously, and if she had booked via our special needs booking line (0191 260 6066) it would have been a much better outcome, We are very sorry to hear of her experience which is an extremely rare occurrence.
Paul Toppenden
