Professionals discuss logistics

On Friday, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg came to visit Bath.

The event was to be held in the Chapel Arts Centre (a performance space underneath a chapel).

An interesting discussion ensued between a resident and the Lib Dem Cllr organising the event, in the forum of the local newspaper.

Greg says:

Why is this in a venue that does not have wheelchair access!!!! – Unbelievable, that just sums up how the government treats disabled people! Hoe can wheelchair users get to join in if they can’t even get in to the venue!

Lib Dem Cllr responds:

You’re right that the venue doesn’t have full wheelchair access. This was a consideration when I booked it yesterday. However, the nature of the steps and doors means that it is possible to carry a chair and passenger into the venue without too much trouble. Our volunteers will certainly help as necessary. I appreciate that this isn’t elegant, but I am grateful to the Chapel Arts Centre for being able to accomodate us at short notice. Send me an email to info@bathlibdems.org.uk if you’d like to plan specific access requirements.

Greg replies:

it’s good to see your comment, and would be possible if you use a manual wheelchair, but I have tried to access places with similar access in the past with my heavy powered wheelchair (as many people who have muscle and neurological conditions rely on due the the needs created by their disability) and this just is not practical and safe to do, and attempts have unfortunately ended in accidents in the past to both wheelchair user and people trying to lift chairs that are not made to be lifted up steps.

Then in a subsequent article, said Cllr continues to put his foot in it by calling the venue change a “pain”:

I’m glad Nick Clegg came to Bath and I’m proud that he’s continuing the same town hall meetings as he did before the election.
It was a pain having to move venues, but I’m really impressed that over 250 Bath locals came to take part so it was worth doing.
Incidentally, I earn about £21,000 per year (two jobs) and don’t consider myself poor. In fact, half of all workers in Britain earn less than £21k – it is the median average income. I find it quite reasonable.
Thanks again to everyone who came along to share their views. I’ve been canvassing this morning as a Liberal Democrat and I didn’t get booed once!

It’s an amusing thread (if you’re not a Lib Dem, which according to the latest polls, that’s 91% of the population), much better than the loonies on Have Your Say!