Man had to sleep in wheelchair due to broken lift

James Bedding had to remain in his wheelchair overnight

A man who is quadriplegic said he had to sleep in his wheelchair overnight after a broken lift on a Jersey passenger ferry meant he had to travel on another vessel.

James Bedding from Jersey, who has paralysis in four limbs, said he had been told by ferry company DFDS the lift would be fixed before he was due to travel at the end of May.

He was moved to an overnight ferry due to delays in the repair work, and said it was "not suitable" and "too much inconvenience".

A spokesperson for DFDS said they "understand the importance of accessible travel" and the repairs were expected to be completed by 31 July.

'Huge inconvenience'

The passenger lift on the Levante Jet ferry has been out of service since April.

Mr Bedding said: "It was a huge inconvenience.

"It was a bit of a disaster really. It's just not suitable for myself."

He added: "I had to stay in my wheelchair overnight, so I had to sleep in my chair because it's just the hassle of getting a hoist into the cabin, to get out of my chair for that amount of time is not really feasible."

Nick Bradford, who has mobility problems, also had issues with the broken lift.

He said he was unaware the lift was out of order, and had to use the stairs "with difficulty".

"What they should have done was told me when they booked it but they didn't," Mr Bradford said.

"They knew it was out of order.

"I would have actually changed the holiday until it was working but I couldn't now because it was too late."

Ferry passenger Nick Bradford, who has mobility problems, says it was a challenge using the stairs because the lift was out of order

The manager of a Jersey hotel which caters for visitors with disabilities and mobility problems said some bookings have been cancelled due to the lift problems.

Steve Martin from Maison des Landes said it was costing the hotel "thousands of pounds" in cancellations.

"The majority of our guests come by boat, 75%," Mr Martin said.

"It's a better experience going by the boat, rather than flying and people do like it. So we are at the mercy of the boat operators."

In a statement, DFDS said the required parts needed were "bespoke and must be specifically manufactured for this specific vessel".

A spokesperson added: "We understand the importance of accessible travel and are committed to supporting all our passengers.

"Those who have registered accessibility needs with DFDS will be contacted directly and offered alternative travel arrangements."