Leeds man calls for better cinema seating for disabled

A man with muscular dystrophy and his mother are campaigning for better seating for disabled people in cinemas.

Christopher Beaumont, 21, who uses a wheelchair, was told he must move from the end of an aisle at a Vue cinema in Leeds because of fire regulations.

His mother Lynne said they had been sitting there because her son could not see the film properly from the disabled seating area.

The cinema has apologised, but said it must comply with fire regulations.

Ms Beaumont said when they went to watch a film at the cinema on Kirkstall Road they had originally sat in the disabled area, but her son had to turn his neck to see the screen.

'Very angry'

Because of this, they moved to the end of an aisle. they were then told by a member of staff that they had to move because they were a "fire risk".

Ms Beaumont, 53, said: "It was ridiculous, given that the cinema was almost empty.

"I was very angry. My son had paid full price for that ticket and so he should have been able to see the film properly."

Ms Beaumont and her son are now seeking advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Steve Knibbs, chief operating officer for Vue Entertainment, said they had written to Ms Beaumont and her son "to apologise for any upset or frustration caused by the experience".

He added that they must comply with fire safety regulations.

"We are investigating both Vue sites in Leeds to ensure we are providing the best possible experience for all of our customers."