A BLIND woman was told to leave a Bromsgrove petrol station because she had her dog with her.
Residents took to social media to condemn the BP garage, on Birmingham Road, after the victim posted on Spotted Bromsgrove on Tuesday (August 23).
The 26-year-old had been out for the day and when the weather got too hot for her guide dog to make it home she decided to go into the nearby garage to get her some water.
“I only went into that shop because it was smaller than the others and I thought I would be able to find my way around easier.
“I had never been in there before.”
The man who worked at the garage shouted ‘excuse me’ but the woman did not realise he was talking to her.
“She said he started shouting at her, got close to her face and told her she had to leave because the dog was dirty.
“I tried to tell him she was a guide dog but he said he didn’t care and that she was licking a product. There’s no way she was. I couldn’t believe it. I have never been shouted at like that before. I’m sure that man would not like someone to do that to his daughter.
“A woman who was getting her petrol came over to help and so did two workmen who also tried to explain but by then my dog was pulling me towards the door. “The man was really aggressive.
“Once I got over the initial shock and upset I was so angry.”
She then tried to make her way home but both her and dog were shaken and she lost her bearings in the middle of the road and an elderly had to help her.
The victim’s mother then went to speak to the owner but he would not speak to her. The woman who did talk to her claimed the blind lady was lying, but witnesses have also taken to social media to berate the store which dozens have said they will boycott in future.
BP has yet to contact the victim directly but their spokeswoman told the Standard: “BP aims to create an environment of inclusion in all of our stores and always seeks to respect everyone equally to provide the very highest standards of customer care.
“While we do not own or operate the site at Bromsgrove, this approach towards access with guide dogs is not consistent with our expectations and we have already brought it to the attention of the owner. Whilst no offence was intended, we believe the individual on duty has not followed the appropriate procedures and this matter will be investigated and further training given to prevent a recurrence.”
