A disabled Berkhamsted man has blasted the Multiple Sclerosis Society for hosting a meeting in a town that has no lifts in its railway station.
Patrick Burke, 57, of Cowper Road, says it is a common problem faced by train-travellers in wheelchairs – including those visiting Berkhamsted and Tring.
But when he was invited to Hatfield House for tea to celebrate the MS Society’s 60th anniversary, he expected better.
He is unable to drive and requires assistance with walking, so took the train to Hatfield.
He said: “When I got to the station I realised it was not step free and was literally stuck on the platform. Thankfully a member of the public saw this and got a station employee to carry my mobility scooter over the bridge and I limped along behind.”
He said when he complained to the MS Society, he was told that most people drive to its meetings.
Network Rail has launched the Access for All scheme to install lifts and ramps for the disabled at all UK train stations – but this will take time, and cost £370m.
Mr Burke has set up the website www.aid4disabled.com to help disabled people live independently now.
He said: “Berkhamsted Station is a complete disaster if you are coming from London, because there are steps but no lift.”
He said there is a stair-lift, but it is only licenced to carry wheelchairs, not people.
That means that people in wheelchairs need to travel to Tring Station and then back to Berkhamsted, so that they can get off at a different platform.
Tring Station, meanwhile, has steps but no ramp leading to its entrance, said Mr Burke, making it very difficult for people in wheelchairs to access.
Kim Yallop, Area Manager for the MS Society, later said: “We always think about accessibility at venues and give delegates clear information about how to get to events.
“It’s true that most of our members do travel by car, but we’re more than happy to help people who want to go by public transport.
“If he’d asked us for help, we could have met Patrick at the station or arranged a taxi for him.
“It’s sad but true that train stations aren’t the easiest places for people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters and train lines ask customers to phone ahead to make sure there’s support available if they need it.”