West Brom's disability facilities singled out for praise
Albion have been singled out for praise by a disabled campaign group after making ‘incredible’ changes to The Hawthorns over summer.
Level Playing Field have been campaigning for 20 years to ensure disabled football fans have an inclusive match day experience.
Two years ago, Premier League clubs pledged to improve facilities when it emerged only two of them provided the recommended access.
Following the deadline, there are still six clubs who haven’t built enough wheelchair bays disappointing Tony Taylor, chair of Level Playing Field.
But Albion’s sweeping changes to an old stadium were congratulated.
“It’s not all bad news and LPF is keen to recognise the improvements that have been made,” said Taylor. “West Bromwich Albion, for example, is a club that has made incredible changes for disabled fans since the pledge was announced.
“The club operates from an older stadium, but has still managed to meet the Accessible Stadia numbers for wheelchair users (home and away), installed easy access and amenity seats, provided additional accessible toilets, a state of the art Changing Places facility, a sensory room, accessible refreshment areas and new signage.
“This just goes to show what can be done and they should be congratulated. The club is now working closely with its Foundation to reach out to the community so that disabled people know there are more spaces and seats available for them at The Hawthorns and that they will be made welcome.”
