"DISABILITY AWARENESS. After requesting wheelchair access at point f booking in July, I called the venue two days prior to confirm was assured by staff there would be no problem. On arrival I was faced with immediate danger due to many breaches of H S and fire regulations. This saw me be tipped out of my wheelchair have to use my leg to brace, taking the weight of myself and wheelchair. Due to the lack of safety standards, accessibility or any provision of reasonable adjustments as per the equality act 2010 I was forced to 'drive ' my electric wheelchair into oncoming traffic over a bridge into the car park in darkness with two random members of the public to kindly assist. . On arrival of the marquee I asked for the accessible entrance but told there wasn 't one and the doorway with step was the only option. The staff member stated 'well no one else with a wheelchair has ever had a problem ', which I neither believe nor find acceptable . I asked if there was a portable ramp but was shrugged at. By now I was embarrassed as other guests were having to squeeze past me whilst I was left outside freezing in wind and rain plus the entire room of people could see and hear what was going on and my having to explain my capacity etc. I asked to speak to a manager but told he was busy. Other audience members were now asking if they could help and although very kind it was mortifying and not there responsibility. My companion again asked to speak to the manager now 30 minutes left outside extremely cold a man turned up pro-porting to be the manager. He chose to stand behind my chair where I couldn 't see him and very gruffly asked what the issue was. I again explained the accessibility problems and that I had requested wheelchair access, his reply being ' well what exactly do you expect me to do? By now I was shivering and having to twist around in my chair to try and speak to him. I asked if he would be kind enough to come and stand where I could see him which was met by a loud sigh.I again mentioned a ramp to which he replied 'we do have one but its to steep to be used here '. I found this not only frustrating but an admittance that he was fully aware ahead of my arrival that I would not be able to gain access. Throughout this exchange he consistently sighed, rolled his eyes and laughed at my situation offering no help, understanding or empathy. He continued to insinuate I was being a drama queen and overly cautious in the use of my chair as others had apparently had no issue with the entrance and insisted the threshold was safe for wheelchairs despite an approx 10cm ridge/step. I explained if I was to try to get over it I would have to drive head on at my maximum speed which would result in damage to my frame and battery and more than likely catapult me out. By now I had become the entertainment as everyone was watching and listening. I also told the manager of my accident and several near misses but he just ignored me. I also asked if he had a risk assessment or accessibility statement which he refused to answer, Eventually agent, not a staff member came forward with two mental sections of the dance-floor which he then used as a makeshift ramp. By now I was becoming visibly upset and wanting to just get in and 'disappear ', By pure luck this gents plan worked and I was eventually able to get into the room. The manager immediately vanished.. Once in the room we were gruffly told 'your not allowed to sit there ' despite me stating I would not be able to see. I also asked where the disabled loo was but told there wasn 't one for the marquee but one in the hotel which I couldn 't get too! Throughout the entire time I was shown no understanding and indeed the comments. statements and treatment toward my disability were at best rude and unprofessional. However, in truth the attitude. comments, behaviours I perceive were completely bullish and discriminating. I was now left in a room with no access to a toilet nor emergency escape route as the temporary ramp had again been removed. I firmly believe that the owners and management of the establishment failed in ensuring my safety and basic rights as per the equality act 2010 which states that those with disability should not be disadvantaged nor treated differently due to a protected characteristic. The whole site is dangerous for all due to its disrepair but for those with any mobility, sight or cognitive issue is particularly dangerous. This is something the establishment have had reports of by other guests over a extended time but have not addressed. It appears the interior is now well passed its best and what was once by all accounts a gem of a place, been run into steep decline by management who seemingly think themselves better than their customers and above the regulations and governance set out by law. In summary my advice would be to avoid at all costs."
