Basildon Vue wheelchair user 'felt like inconvenience'

Rosalind Emmins, 32, who uses an electric wheelchair due to symptoms associated with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (P.O.T.S), has previously enjoyed screenings at the Vue with no issues.

But when she went to watch Beetlejuice Beetlejuice with her mother, Mrs Emmins found the seat she had booked was no longer available.

The Vue opened in Basildon in July (Image: George Pizani)

The cinema’s Screen 1 had previously featured wheelchair spaces at the front and back of the seating area, allowing users to choose where they wanted to sit.

However, on this occasion when Mrs Emmins arrived, she was told that the back row space she had booked was no longer available.

Mrs Emmins, whose additional needs mean a front row seat is not viable, claims she was made to feel like “an inconvenience and a nuisance”.

Mrs Emmins and her mother were able to watch the film but say the experience has left them feeling “shocked”.

Mrs Emmins uses an electric wheelchair to help with her mobility (Image: Rosalind Emmins)

“Disabled people and wheelchair users should be able to choose where they want to sit like everyone else,” she said.

“And have the choice of sitting at the front or back.”

A spokesperson for Vue said: “At Vue we aim to provide the best Big Screen Experience for everyone. At Basildon, we’re pleased to offer accessible seats in every screen.

Rosalind had been visiting the Vue with her mum (R) (Image: Rosalind Emmins)

“Accessible seats were initially planned at both the back and front of one screen, but those at the back were removed due to health and safety restrictions.

“A technical website glitch incorrectly listed these 
seats for sale and tickets for them were sold to a customer.”

They added: “When the customer arrived at the site, our team apologised for the error, explained what had happened and offered the alternative accessible seats at the front.

“We fully understand the customer’s frustrations and we’re in direct conversation with her to resolve them and look forward to welcoming her back very soon.”