Access fury for wheelchair user
STEFAN JAJECZNYK
AWHEELCHAIR user has blasted a branch of a popular fast-food chain over a lack of access for disabled people.
Multiple sclerosis sufferer Yasir Ilyas, 31, was cheesed off to find that the Accrington branch of Subway had no suitable disabled access.
The sandwich giant said its franchisee is reviewing disabled access to avoid further problems.
In a video uploaded to his Facebook page, Yasir complained that the branch of the sandwich shop, on Union Street, had no ramp – meaning he could not enter the shop without help from his social carer, who struggled to hoist Yasir and his heavy wheelchair into the store.
Yasir, who lives on Garbett Street in Accrington, said: “They (Subway) don’t have proper access.
“They have a disabled toilet but I don’t see the point if disabled people can’t even get in the shop.
“I was with my social carer who had to struggle to get me in the shop, some customers who were already in there had to help him out.”
When Yasir complained to the staff, he said he was told the store had just been renovated and there was no manager available to speak to.
Yasir says that the store would need a ramp, at the very least, and possibly a wider door.
If one isn’t built, Yasir may said he may have to stop visiting the shop as it is too difficult for him to get in and out.
He said: “It’s a surprise, because they’re a large corporation and they should know that there should be equal opportunities for disabled people.
“It makes me angry, upset and determined to change it – it’s in breach of equal rights and I feel like I’m treated like an alien.”
Yasir said he has had issues like this before with other stores in Accrington but has successfully campaigned for change after sharing videos of shops on social media.
A spokesman for Subway said: “We’re sorry to hear of this customer’s experience when visiting the Union Street store.
“As responsible retailers, Subway franchisees work closely with their local communities and have policies in place to assist their customers’ needs when required.
“The store has not encountered any previous issues regarding store access, however the franchisee will be reviewing this as a matter of priority to avoid any further issues.”