Elderly man with motor neurone disease claims he was turned away by hotel over his mobility scooter

A man with motor neurone disease claims he was turned away from a Neath hotel with his two brothers because the business's 'insurance did not cover mobility scooters'.

Robert Wilkinson, 71, who has motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis, had been looking forward to a catch up with brothers Brian, 73 and Chris Wilkinson, aged 70.

The three planned to visit The Castle Hotel in Neath on Friday, September 20, for a bite to eat.

However, when they arrived at the hotel, Chris claimed they were turned away.

"My two brothers and I had arranged a get together for lunch only to be turned away. They informed us that their insurance did not cover mobility scooters in their premises," claimed Chris.

"My brother Robert is unable to talk or walk due to being in the advanced stages of both motor neurone disease and multiple-sclerosis. He chooses not to be in a wheelchair as he is able to be mobile in his scooter."

Robert has motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis (Jonathan Myers)

The Castle Hotel, Neath (Jonathan Myers)

The Castle Hotel in Neath which has a sign outside the hotel doors for disabled access (Jonathan Myers)

Chris, who lives in Neath, said the alleged incident had left him feeling shocked and embarassed.

He claimed: "As a former hotelier and publican, I found this a despicable act on their behalf. There is a sign outside the hotel doors which states 'ring for disabled access'.

"We found this so distressing and Rob was emotional, he's frustrated, it's an awful disease. All we wanted was a nice meal and a quiet catch up. This is not how you should be treated."

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The brothers then decided to go across the road to Moruzzi & Co instead where they said they were made to feel very welcome and were still able to enjoy their afternoon.

The brothers decided to go to Moruzzi & Co instead where they said they were made to feel very welcome (Jonathan Myers)

The brothers enjoying themselves at Moruzzi & Co (Jonathan Myers)

"I have lived in the town centre for 15 years, We have never had any problems before," added Chris.

"I am sure there is a legal obligation to provide disability access. We haven't had any apology from the hotel, it's been upsetting," he claimed.

"The support we have had has been incredible, when we went to Moruzzi's the staff were kind and helpful," he explained.

By law businesses must have reasonable provision for access to a building and use of facilities within a building for people with disabilities.

WalesOnline has approached The Castle Hotel on numerous occasions for comment.