'Disabled' trolley wouldn't fit down shop aisle

[ConnieComplaint]

Would you complain to Lidl over this?

I had to call in this evening for a few items & as there are very few trolleys left except the huge ones with double baby seats I took a small one with a handle on it.

When I went to push the trolley down the aisle of the shop I realised the wheels were very wide which meant, thanks to their displaying discounted items in the middle of their aisles that the trolley couldn't go down them.

I then looked at the trolley & realised it was meant for 'disabled' people, so I went to change it. On the way past the tills I thought I would bring it up with the only check out lady that was there.

I explained that I had picked that trolley by mistake and was going to change it but just as a matter of information, was she aware that, should a disabled person need to use the trolley it wouldn't fit down the aisle.

She glared at me & said: "Are you disabled? You shouldn't be using that trolley if you're not disabled. And if you're not disabled then the fact that the trolley doesn't fit down the aisle shouldn't bother you."

Even when I tried to explain that I took it by mistake as it was a small trolley but that the reason why I had didn't matter, I simply wanted to let her know it would be impossible for any disabled person to shop there anyway as the trolley wouldn't fit, she still didn't get it!

Should I call tomorrow & complain? Even though I'm not disabled, so technically, "I'm alright Jack" but what about others? AS well as that I feel a bit thick for taking a disabled trolley & feel that they might make a bigger issue out of me using that than the fact it wouldn't fit down the aisle?

I changed my name for this incase I get yelled at for using a disabled trolley (albeit an innocent mistake).

That is pretty stupid.

I would complain - because it will be way more of a PITA for a disabled person actually trying to use it than you...

I'd probably write a letter to the manager, rather than go back in to complain, as you'd likely just get another numpty on the till who doesn't really care.

yes, I would write and complain too. not only about the fact that the trolley was not useable to disabled people, but also at the attitude of the staff!
not on

You should definitely write and complain. I am pig sick of this in our local Co-op (dh is disabled) because they clearly think "sod you, wheelo boy, we'll just litter the aisles with anything we see fit - and if that annoys pushchair users too - well sod you too".

Drives me absolutely mad - the message it sends out is that they do not give a toss about customers with disabilities. Cos - you know - life isn't f**king difficult enough for these people.

I'd write in and complain.

I don't understand Lidl staff, ALL of the ones I have come across that i've had a query for have been VERY rude and have had a 'couldn't give a shit' attitude.

The girl who manages the shop is a lovely girl.

I might write a letter.

Thing is though, she will know it was me now won't she?

I was thinking of writing a letter to the editor the local paper (they have a section where they publish things like this) but then she would be aware that it was me...

But then why should I care if she knows whether it was me or not!

Doesn't everywhere have to be accessible now?

i tell you who else is bad for putting things in the middle of aisles.. debenhams. well, ours is anyway.
I have complained in there before because I could barely get a pushchair round. I wasn't complaining about that though, the point I made to them was that if I couldn't get a pushchair through then how would anyone get a wheelchair through?

they nodded and Mmmmed but nothing has changed.

I would say something to the manager. Unless it's reported they can't do anything about it. Sometimes the store layout is down to sheer ignorance.

I complained to our local One Stop as I couldn't get my double pushchair through the door (it's only slightly bigger than a single and I needed it because DD2 is disabled and DD3 was a baby.)

The doorway was 2 single doors where one is left open and one is shut with a top and bottom latch (if that makes sense). The latch was stuck so you couldn't open both doors, hence we couldn't get in. When I called the assistant over and said I couldn't get in she said "oh it's broken" and just walked off!

So I stood in the doorway and called for the manager, who came and apologised but said there was nothing she could do. I suggested she arranged to get it fixed then as it was preventing access. Her answer was to just leave my children outside

Soupy's got an interesting point - potentially they could be in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act by preventing wheelchair users from shopping in their store.

I don't think it should be any problem if she knows it was you who wrote the letter, so long as you write it politely. After all you're writing to let her know something which she ought to be told about, not really even complaining.

As far as I know the DDA applies to actually getting in to premises, not manoeuvering around them bonkers I know.

the main jist of DDA is access to goods, facilities and services,this does not necessarily entail altering existing building eg widening aisle.existing buildings are not compelled to physically change,they are compelled to offer reasonable provision and ability to access(use)service

so in the example given reasonable adjustments might be a shop would have to offer you a way to undertake activity.eg staff bring items to you

DDA stipulates existing buildings and listed buildings need to demonstrate reasonable equitable access. hence many buildings have a ramp and a bell to ring for service.meaning the client alerts the business they are there and have a need

Look at guidance for inclusion

new builds have to comlpy with Approved Document M (commonly referred to as Part M) is a section of the English and Welsh Building Regulations and principally applies to new buildings. It is not part of the DDA but is relevant to architects and contractors on new build projects and certain extensions as it is the document that gives the definitive specification of the buildings features which provide access for disabled people. For example, if a passenger carrying lift is to be installed then it must be suitable for use by the less able and Part M gives design criteria to comply with. Part M then can also be a useful reference point if, as a service provider, you have to make adjustments to the physical features of your existing premises to comply with the DDA.

YANBU. Apart from the access issue, the woman was bloody rude for no good reason.

They were re doing our local retail park. They halved the size of the carpark whilst the work was going on. Guess where the security portacabin was plonked? Yep over about 10 blue badge parking bays. When I knocked on the door and complained the guy looked at me like I was dangerous and spoke to me as if I were a moron on a mission.

The service vehicle in my local Ikea used to be parked in a disabled parking bay EVERY time I went there (which was a lot). I used to complain every time for about a year (thats about once a week). I resorted to putting big notes under the windscreen wipers until they finally got the message.

Its bloody hard work being this self rightous let me tell you.

at chegirl's one-woman self-righteousness crusade.