Blind man forced to sit on the floor of a Virgin train

A shocking photograph shows a blind man, Roger Debman sat on the floor of the York to Peterborough train with his guide dog Nevin

The former businessman from Liverpool needs to use seating designed for the disabled because it provides enough space to keep his dog out of the aisle.



He booked the journey in advance for himself and his wife, Debra, but says Virgin gave him no option to reserve a disabled seat.

He said:

'My wife asked the conductor and he told us there was no seats and to just "sit there". The conductor told me to sit where I was.I can't do the conductor's job for him but the bottom line is it says disabled seats and if a disabled person gets on you should give up your seat up.
'Passengers were ignoring me, happy-as-larry. You just get used to it. It shows the ignorance that's about towards disabled people.
'It's a joke. It happens regularly. I've had to sit on the floor before. I'm used to it. When I was brought up I was told to get up and give my seat to someone who needed it. Nowadays people don't do it. Very few people will get up for you

According to Mailonline, on the return trip, Mr Debman was forced to use a 'normal' seat meaning Nevin blocked the aisle, generating complaints from fellow travellers

 Debra, who is Roger's carer, as well as being a nurse at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, said:
'As soon as we got on the conductor said the train was full. He came back to say there isn't anywhere to go.
'He said he could get a seat for me but I'm Roger's carer so I obviously couldn't leave him.
'No thought has gone into the facilities needed. There's nowhere to go. If you've got a push bike you're all right.'

Roger posted about his experience on Facebook: 'This is how Richard Branson transports registered blind people and guide dogs on his trains.

'Forced to sit on the floor because the guard would not clear the suitable seating. If you think this is wrong please share this so Mr Branson gets the message.