Given a gift token to enjoy a Royal Albert Hall performance, I managed to acquire the last wheelchair space on December 13.
Starting on my journey early enough to use London’s buses, I went by bus from home to Surbiton station. On arrival, the lifts were out of action.
The manager, the only person who can authorise a taxi, was engaged and as the clock was ticking I decided not to abandon the trip and used two precious taxi card trips to get me on my way to Wimbledon station.
This journey cost £29.
When I reached Waterloo, I had no time to wait for buses and took a taxi, costing £25.
I had planned to use buses for the return journey to Waterloo, but waited for a taxi – a further £25.
On arrival at Waterloo, the toilets were closed due to a water shortage.
Surbiton station needs to get its lifts replaced as the issue prevents disabled people engaging in work and leisure.
Life for disabled people is stressful and costly to do things that non-disabled people take for granted and it is easy to see how disabled people may lack motivation.
It is still an incredibly nonaccessible environment locally and elsewhere.
ANN MACFARLANE OBE Surbiton
- Send your letters to: letters@surreycomet.co.uk
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