![]() When asked by Cheshire Live to explain why the policy caters for those who need one carer but not for those with severe disabilities which require two carers, Blue Planet Aquarium did not offer a response. “We admit a maximum of one free of charge carer per eligible paying guest, with additional carers requiring a valid ticket.”īlue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port, 2016 (Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror) We accept a wide range of forms of eligibility, including Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment letter, a letter from a GP or Consultant confirming the need for a full time carer, or a valid Access Card displaying the ‘essential companion symbol’. But when contacted by Cheshire Live, the Blue Planet Aquarium stood firmly behind its policy.Ī spokesperson for Blue Planet Aquarium said: “Blue Planet Aquarium has always provided guests with health conditions or impairments a free of charge carer’s ticket upon proof of eligibility. ![]() The decision left Thomas having to pay an extra £25.25 every time he visits the Ellesmere POrt attraction on top of his £75.75 annual membership, or else stump up £606 for annual memberships in the names of each of his eight rotating carers.ĭisability charity Scope branded the policy “appalling”, while Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders called on Blue Planet to “reconsider their stance”. Blue Planet has stuck to this stance despite the NHS assessing Thomas as requiring two-to-one care. READ: Police hunt man who exposed himself near to girl, 15 | There was a similar incident nearby four days laterīut Thomas has not been to the aquarium since June 2022, his father says, after the family was told only one carer could accompany Thomas on his membership. READ: Tragedy as police find man, 50, dead in house | Officers say nothing could have been done to save him Thomas, who has a profound and multiple learning disability and complex medical needs, has held a membership for Blue Planet Aquarium for much of his life, and has previously attended weekly in winter. ![]() John, 53, told CheshireLive: “I can’t understand how they don’t see this as discriminating against Tom. John Griffiths, father of Thomas, 20, is now urging the Cheshire attraction to reconsider an "appalling" policy that has left a young disabled man having to "choose between essential care and enjoying a day out". ![]() Top attraction Blue Planet Aquarium has been accused of disability discrimination after being told the firm's policy does not allow entry for his son's two carers. ![]()
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