JustBeingCP

Today (Saturday the 18th of February, 2023) I travelled to Villa Park in Birmingham to watch Aston Villa take on Arsenal.

I am one of very few wheelchair supporters who travel to matches using the rail network and it isn’t a fun experience at times.

I have today written to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aston Villa, Christian Purslow calling on him to work with the disabled supporters using the rail network who attend the club’s matches.

I am fed up of being on the receiving end of inconsistent service when it comes to travelling to and from Witton Station in Birmingham.

I pointed out to mr Purslow that it is no good just liaising with Aston Villa’s Disabled Supporters Association (AVDSA) about this issue because many of there members travel to and from matches via car.

I also told mr Purslow that if the service offered to disabled supporters using the network doesn’t improve in the coming months then I will unfortunately be forced to stop attending matches.

I am aware that Aston Villa are working with both West Midlands Trains (WMT) and Network Rail to improve the service offered but changes aren’t happening fast enough in my opinion.

I absolutely love attending Aston Villa’s at Villa Park but the standard of service offered on public transport is becoming a real barrier.

I have fought back the temptation for months now to go public about this issue but enough is now enough.

I don’t want the level of service that I receive from rail staff to stop me from leading an independent life and attending football matches across the nation with my best friend.

I know that this is another very short blog and comes across as me moaning but I need call this issue out before it gets any worse.

As always I would like to place on record my thanks to each and everyone of my readers and followers who are continuing to read my blog each week.

Cam