Chester Zoo now charge for carers

kingfisherblue

I've just heard on the BBC North West news that Chester Zoo no longer allow a carer for a disabled person in for free. Instead, they will be charged around £15.

This change in policy, according to Chester Zoo, is in line with the rest of the tourist industry.

There are many places that offer free entry to carers, so this doesn't sound right to me. It sounds like an excuse. You just need to read the 'Discounts for the Disabled' thread on this board to see that there are plenty of tourist attractions that allow carers in for free.

Fang_3

It's a choice between the zoo remaining profitable and therefore open, or closing. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask every visitor to pay when the need is there.

TheBottomLine_2

They might find they actually have less visitors now as many disabled people decide not to go as it will cost them double. A carer should not be expected to pay as they are there to support the disabled person, so now disabled people will have to pay for carers too making it an expensive visit. That's a shame because Chester was the best zoo I've ever visited.

TheBottomLine_2

Fang wrote: »

It's a choice between the zoo remaining profitable and therefore open, or closing. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask every visitor to pay when the need is there.

Carers aren't visitors as such, they are there to support the disabled visitor. They are working and cannot relax and enjoy a day out as you might imagine.

woody01

TheBottomLine wrote: »

Carers aren't visitors as such, they are there to support the disabled visitor. They are working and cannot relax and enjoy a day out as you might imagine.

My daughter is disabled, and i can't see a problem with paying for her carer.
I agree it shouldn't be full price, but free is taking the mickey as the carer, although there for the person, still can enjoy the day out.

dmg24

TheBottomLine wrote: »

Carers aren't visitors as such, they are there to support the disabled visitor. They are working and cannot relax and enjoy a day out as you might imagine.

Many people that qualify for the carers rate are there as visitors, very few are there in a professional/ working capacity. I am disabled, but anyone that came as my 'carer' would be a friend or relative, simply because there is not enough funding available to fund a professional.

Indie_Kid

woody01 wrote: »

My daughter is disabled, and i can't see a problem with paying for her carer.
I agree it shouldn't be full price, but free is taking the mickey as the carer, although there for the person, still can enjoy the day out.

Many disabled people have no choice but to take someone with them.

woody01

sh1305 wrote: »

Many disabled people have no choice but to take someone with them.

And where abouts did i saw otherwise?
Children don't have any option but to take a carer either, but the parents don't get free admission do they?

This actually effects me aswell, as i said, my daughter is disabled (both physically and mentally), but as her registered carer, my wife does not see the requirement for a free admission.

I can also concede that if the carer is a family member then the situation may be slightly different, but a concession rather than free admission is plenty.

Indie_Kid

woody01 wrote: »

And where abouts did i saw otherwise?
Children don't have any option but to take a carer either, but the parents don't get free admission do they?

Child get in cheaper than adults.

Tally-Ho_2

Well according to their website, carers and visitors with disabilities get in at a concessionary rate:

http://www.chesterzoo.org/Visit/Admission.aspx

quote: **Concessions - senior citizens, students, visitors with disabilities and carer accompanying disabled visitor.

So, if I was going with a carer I would take a screenprint off their website.

Tally

woody01

sh1305 wrote: »

Child get in cheaper than adults.

and?
You seem to want to create an argument but never think anything through before posting.