Christmas trail's wheelchair ban 'hurts' parents

A company has banned wheelchair users from attending a festive light trail, leaving parents of disabled children feeling "hurt".

Beamish Hall's Forest of Light event will see illuminations, music and interactive props set up throughout the woodland in its County Durham grounds.

But Newton Aycliffe mums Hayley Clark and Michaela Kerr said the ban on wheelchairs meant their disabled children were being discriminated against.

Beamish Hall said it "strives to be as inclusive as possible" but the terrain within the woods was uneven and it could not guarantee wheelchair users' safety.

Ms Clark contacted Beamish Hall about the ban and was told the company's events team was sorry for "any disappointment" but the rules would not be changed.

"[They] have discriminated against a disability, which is a protected characteristic," Ms Clark said.

"They wouldn't say that about any race or religion, so what gives them the right to say that about a wheelchair?"

Ms Clark and Ms Kerr are upset because Beamish Hall has advised against the use of pushchairs, but has not banned them in the same way as wheelchairs.

They have argued boarding could be used to make the ground more accessible and parents should be allowed to decide whether to risk bringing their child to an event.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 states it is unlawful to refuse or deliberately not provide a service to a disabled person which is available to other people. This includes entertainment facilities.

The Equality Act 2010 also states "reasonable adjustments" should be made to accommodate those with disabilities.

Ms Kerr said: "They have used this health and safety to get around [the law] but they have blatantly discriminated against people with special needs and disabilities."

The Forest of Light event is due to take place on various dates between November and January.

Beamish Hall said the woodland presented "unique challenges" in terms of accessibility, including rocky ground, exposed roots, mud and reduced light.

"The majority of the event takes place within our woodlands where no concreted or tarmacked paths are present," a spokesperson said.

"Unfortunately, a complete resurface of all pathways is not reasonably practicable due to lack of access in the woodlands for heavy equipment, impact on trees and root systems and is also not financially feasible, as the event is only taking place for a number of days around the Christmas period."

The company added a risk assessment found it could not "guarantee a safe environment for wheelchair users".

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