Parish Council discriminated against wheelchair user
A major rebuilding project at South Normanton community centre should have led to good access for all. However, many members of the Parish Council were not consulted on the project, which was largely in the hands of the Chairman, Terry Cook and parish clerk, Norman Taylor.
Unfortunately, the chosen design of the main entrance doors meant that wheelchair users could not get in without assistance. When Mrs Upton, a Parish councillor herself, could not get in to the centre one wet and windy January day, she took her concerns to the Parish Council. However, the Chairman, Mr Terry Cook, ignored her complaints. Only when legal action had been started were suitable new doors installed.
The Parish Council and Community Centre Association still refused to acknowledge the fact of discrimination or to apologise. However, at the hearing at Sheffield county court before District Judge Hill, their barrister accepted that they had discriminated against Mrs Upton. The court ordered them to pay Mrs Upton £3000 in compensation, plus costs.
After the hearing, Mrs Upton said:
“I didn’t want this to go to court. The Parish Council could have sorted this out so easily if Terry Cook, the Chairman, had only listened to people. But he didn’t, so I was left with no other option. I had a meeting with him to avoid this, at which we were insulted and threatened.”
“This has had a big effect on my social life. I am glad it’s over and done with and now all parties can accept the decision and move on.”
As a result of the case, the community centre has improved access doors, which should benefit other disabled people as well as pram users.
Douglas Johnson, of Sheffield Law Centre, helped Mrs Upton bring the complaint to court for a ruling. He said,
“The court process isn’t ideal for settling problems like this but sometimes it is the only way to tackle discrimination. Thanks to Mrs Upton’s sense of responsibility, the community of South Normanton now has better access to the Community Centre.”
