A GROUP of disabled people visited Hereford’s Courtyard Theatre to watch a show featuring artists with similar disabilities to their own But they were shocked and disappointed when they arrived to be told the lift had broken and they would be unable to reach their seats.

The foursome, two in wheelchairs and the others able to walk, were given their money back before they returned home.

“We were really disappointed because we were booked up and wanted to see the show to see if there was anything we could incorporate into our own lives,” said Hillary Stringer, from the recently formed Herefordshire Disabled Forum.

The group is now calling for more provision for wheelchairs and disabled people in the front of the house as Ms Stringer said there were many people who had a disability but still wanted to go to the theatre.

“There are only three wheel-chair spaces there and when we booked, they were all taken and we were offered a box on the first floor,” she added.

But it was only accessible by lift and there was no way the group could take their seats.

Rebecca Storey, from The Courtyard, said they were very sorry about what happened.

There had been a “sell-out” for the one-night Jigsaw show and all the front house accommodation for the disabled was taken when the group booked and they were offered seats upstairs.

Ms Storey said the lift broke down just before the show and desperate efforts were made to get it repaired, without success.

“It was out of our control and very unfortunate, and we are very sorry,” she said.

The newly formed disability forum meets to discuss common problems and look for solutions.

It has already discussed subjects of local and national concern and made contact with The Courtyard to find out when films with audio descriptions were available for blind members to enjoy.

Anyone interested in joining the group can call Hillary Stringer on 01989 562845.