BAY-WATCH
Marina bar converts disabled parking spaces into a BEER GARDEN
The decision has forced disabled visitors to walk further after closer bays were blocked by tables and chairs
By LAUREN FRUEN
A WATERFRONT bar has come under fire after converting disabled parking spaces into a beer garden.
Managers at The Compass Rose pub claim they have obtained three out of 11 disabled parking spaces from Hartlepool Marina owners Mandale Group.
The Compass Rose in Hartlepool marina is using three out of 11 disabled parking spaces as a beer gardenCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
A spokesman for the pub confirmed it was 'in the process of turning the bays in to an outdoor seating area'Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
But the decision is causing a nuisance for disabled visitors to the coast - who were forced into a long walk after the closer bays were blocked by tables and chairs.
Martin Slimings, was taking his mum Audrey Slimings, 92, to her favourite cafe when he was shocked to find the parking spots had suddenly been transformed into a seating area.
Martin makes the trip each week and said he always parks in the bays outside of pub because it is closest to the cafe.
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Martin, 65, said: "I understand that it is a good business opportunity, but it was 10am in the morning when I was down there.
"The pub wasn't even open - but because of the benches there we had to park further away.
"I understand that the marina has more than the required amount of disabled bays, but not all of them are located close enough to the places that disabled people may want to go.
"I am sure it is all above board, but I feel like disabled and vulnerable people in society are thought about last."
When The Compass Rose was contacted for comment a spokesman said Mandale Group had sold the spaces to businesses to use as seated areas.
However the Mandale firm said they are not selling any of the bays.
A spokesman for The Compass Rose said: "Mandale made us an offer to see if any business wanted to buy some of the disabled bays - so we have bought three and are in the process of turning it in to an outdoor seating area."
Joe Darragh, estates director at Mandale, said the firm was looking to improve the outdoor seating area and added that out of the 11 disabled bays provided only three have been used for outdoor seating.
Mr Darragh said: "We are aware that some premises have been putting tables and chairs in the disabled bays in the car park to make the most of the summer weather, but there is still access to disabled bays.
"We don't want anybody upset - so we are going to provide a better facility there to improve it for everybody."