Some of you may have seen pieces in the local media and television recently highlighting the preceived problem of using electric disability scooters or mart carts.
The issue was brought to my attention when Rhondda resident Keiron Shepherd of Ton Pentre, was asked by staff to leave Asda’s Tonypandy store while shopping with his mother. The 13 year old schoolboy, who suffers with cerebral palsy, says he was left bewildered and embarrassed as he was escorted to the front of the store.
I have finally succeeded in securing a meeting with Asda management in an attempt to resolve the store’s ban.
I’m pleased that Adsa have finally responded to my repeated attempts to contact them. I’m hoping that an amicable agreement can be made, so that young people under the age of 16 are able to use their scooters in store.
I don’t understand Asda’s stance on this, as there’s no legal age limit to drive these scooters. It would seem that this policy was introduced ‘off the cuff’ by the Tonypandy store, as I understand that Keiron has used these scooters in several other Asda stores around south Wales with no problem.
I will be asking that Tonypandy Asda change their policy, but the least Keiron deserves is an apology for the way he was treated.
I sincerely hope that this issue can be resolved, as I find it unacceptable that some of our young people are discriminated against. I’ve been in contact with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and if I don’t get a satisfactory answer then I’m prepared to take this further.
