Wheelchair users say they have been left unable to attend tonight’s OMD concert outside Rochdale Town Hall after being told their accessible provision was no longer available less than 24 hours before the event.
Rochdale Development Agency said its accessible viewing platform has been fully booked since 1 May and that it is looking at options to increase capacity.
People affected say accessible tickets had been obtained specifically so wheelchair users and their companions could attend the concert safely.
They say they were subsequently told that the accessible provision was no longer available and were offered the choice of a refund or attending in the general admission area.
Those affected argue that joining the general crowd is not a suitable or safe alternative for some wheelchair users.
Paula Draper, who was due to accompany her disabled cousin as his carer, said, “This isn’t just about concert tickets. It’s about whether disabled people are treated as equal members of our community.
“To remove accessible tickets with less than 24 hours’ notice and then suggest that wheelchair users should simply join the general crowd is unacceptable. Accessibility isn’t a luxury, it’s what enables disabled people to participate in public life.
“We don’t want special treatment. We simply want the reasonable adjustments that were promised when the tickets were booked.
“There is still time for the organisers to do the right thing. I sincerely hope they will.”
A formal complaint has been submitted to Quay Tickets seeking an explanation for what happened and asking what alternative arrangements can be made before the concert.
Those affected have also questioned whether sufficient consideration has been given to disabled customers under the Equality Act 2010.
Roch Valley Radio offered Rochdale Development Agency a right to reply.
Pete Courtie, head of culture at Rochdale Development Agency, said, “We know how important it is that everyone has access to all of the events staged in the borough and take our inclusion responsibilities very seriously. We are proud that during our recent year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture we saw a huge increase in the number of people with disabilities taking part as both audience members and participants.
Our accessible viewing platform for this concert which accommodates 16 wheelchair users and their companions has been fully booked since 1 May. Demand for accessible viewing has been significantly higher than anticipated but we are still looking at every possible option to expand the platform capacity and are working to find a solution that means all our visitors have the best possible accessible experience.”
Organisers have since increased the capacity, however to what quantity, it is unknown.
Quay Tickets has been contacted for comment.
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