DISABLED FAN FORCED TO QUIT AFTER 60 YEARS

29-10-2009

A wheelchair-bound Wolves fan has been forced to stop going to Molineux this season after 60 years following the club’s decision to change its rules on disabled parking bays. 87-year old Thomas Jones says he is “bitter” about what's happened.

Thomas, who broke his back in a mining collapse at the Hilton Main colliery in Staffordshire 30 years ago, is unable to walk unaided.

He also has a 56-year old disabled son Brian who can’t attend the ground on his own – and who has also been forced to miss out on Wanderers’ return to the Premier League.

“I feel very bitter about it. I can’t go if I don’t have a parking spot close to the ground” Thomas said.

“Brian is very upset. He just loves the Wolves, but he can’t go now because I can’t take him.”

The club changed their disabled parking criteria at the start of the season, and Thomas fell foul of the new regulations because he doesn’t receive a mobility component under this Disability Living Allowance.

This is for the simple reason that when the benefit was brought in, he was already over 65, so didn’t qualify.

Another Wolves regular Brendan King has also lost his parking space because of the seemingly arbitary new regulations, even though he is classed as a T10 paraplegic.

The story, which was first aired on The Stirrer in September, is now set to go national, with a feature due to be broadcast on BBC Five Live’s Macintyre Investigates on Sunday at 7.30 pm.

Kingy has been frustrated at the every turn by the club but has drawn up a series of proposals to make the system fairer which he hopes the club will act upon next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are invited to reply. Email editor@thestirrer.com

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY OR CAMPAIGN WHICH NEEDS TO BE AIRED? THE STIRRER OFFERS A PLATFORM FOR GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS WHO NEEDS TO BE HEARD. CONTACT EDITOR@THESTIRRER.COM