'I felt second class' (From Barry And District News)

'I felt second class'

A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND pensioner said she felt like a'second-class citizen' at the Vale of Glamorgan Council chamber.

The 72-year-old was a guest at her nephew's wedding - but because there was no disabled ramp in the chamber she was unable to take her chair down to where the ceremony took place at the Civic Offices on Holton Road.

Pat Brown, of Langlands Road, cannot walk more than a few steps because of breathing difficulties.

She said: "I did get down the steps with some help, but I had to stop two or three times to catch my breath.

"I can imagine if it was my son's wedding. It would make me cry on the day. I felt like a second-class citizen because the only part I could sit on was the upper level of the chamber.

"This is the only part without steps."

Mrs Brown has asthma, emphysema and bronchitis so she has to have a wheelchair and has special breathing apparatus in her home.

On the day she was lucky to have help at hand - but if her family were not there she would have had no way of getting down the stairs.

She said: "What if one of the councillors was disabled? How could they use the chamber?

"They would have to be helped. I can't imagine what disabled parents of a bride or groom would feel like if they could not get to see their children on what should be a very happy occasion.

"The Vale of Glamorgan Council checks on shops and other amenities to make sure they obey the new disabled friendly access laws