Blackpool Pleasure Beach scraps free admission for carers

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been criticised over plans to start charging the carers of disabled people to accompany them to the attraction.

People attending with holders of Nimbus Access disability cards had not previously been charged.

But now Pleasure Beach bosses have said it will cost them £25 a visit, which it said was "in line with the wider attractions industry".

But users of the scheme said the change in rules would mean some disabled people would no longer feel able to go.

The Pleasure Beach, which reopens at the weekend, said the price was "a reasonably adjusted rate, which is less than half the price of our full-priced ticket and cheaper than any promotional or online rate".

It also said the changes would not affect any bookings made before 2 March.

Steve Melrose told the BBC his 21-year-old son, who is autistic, had been bought an annual season ticket, worth about £170, as a present for his birthday late last year.

But he said the change meant it would now be difficult for him to go to the Pleasure Beach, as he could not go in without someone with him.

Mr Melrose, 57, said: "If I go with him, I'm not going on any rides. I'm just there making sure he is all right.

"They have not consulted people. There will be people who turn up at the gates to be told their carers now have to pay £25.

"They have shown no compassion, or consideration of the fact that people will have bought their passes on the basis of being able to go with their carer for no additional charge."

In response to his complaint, Mr Melrose received an email from the Pleasure Beach saying it "understood that this represents a change from previous years and that it has been disappointing for some Season Pass holders".

It added while it could not comment on its decision, "feedback from guests is recorded and shared with all relevant departments".

Blackpool Pleasure Beach added it would provide one complimentary visit, but that after that, the cost would be £25 a visit.

While Blackpool Pleasure Beach said its policy was in line with other attractions, some such as Alton Towers and Thorpe Park state on their websites that disabled customers with valid documentation were allowed one essential companion free of charge.

A spokeswoman said it had "worked with Nimbus Disability, an organisation founded and run by disabled people for disabled people, on making sure this change is reasonable and fair", adding: "Any bookings made before March 2 are not affected by this change."

Nimbus Disability said it had "worked with Blackpool Pleasure Beach for a number of years in communicating disabled customers' needs for additional support".

"However," it added, "the decision regarding the reasonableness of a concessionary-rated ticket is theirs alone to make."

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