Disabled seating in govt venues "unacceptable"

Charity campaigning for equal service

Paying customers with disabilities and their carers have limited access and a poor view of entertainment in government-run venues.

That's according to Island-based disability and special needs charity Manx Mencap.

It says it's been campaigning for a more inclusive, equal service in the Villa Marina, the Gaiety Theatre and Broadway Cinema since 2013.

Board member Fran Tinkler says only eight seats are allocated to people with disabilities in the Villa, six in the Gaiety, and just two in cinema - which "sends a disappointing message".

The placement of seats for wheelchair users is at the rear of each forum, and are also filled free-of-charge by those accompanying ticket-holders through government's Essential Companion Scheme.

Mrs Tinkler says the needs of disabled people are too often an after-thought: