A DISABLED passenger is seeking legal advice after “journeys from hell” with a Colchester bus company.

Mike Valentine-Wheeler alleged discrimination against a Network Colchester driver while boarding a bus.

The 37-year-old, recovering from the stroke-like effects of a hemiplegic migraine, said he asked politely for the vehicle’s ramp to be lowered for his wheelchair.

He said: “The response was: ‘you can get up there’, to which I repeated my request to have the ramp down. The driver reluctantly got out of his seat and put the ramp down, but didn’t lower the bus.’’ Mr Valentine-Wheeler, of Rawlings Crescent, High Woods, Colchester, added: “After the worst, most uncomfortable journey into town, we arrived in the High Street.

“The driver stopped, opened the doors, turned to my wife and said: ‘If you want the ramp down, then you will have to put it down yourself’.

“Again, the driver didn’t lower the bus and, as I attempted to wheel off down the ramp, I lost grip of my wheelchair and nearly came off the edge of the ramp. Luckily, my wife stopped me from serious injury.”

Mr Valentine-Wheeler said on the return journey, another Network Colchester driver refused to allow the couple on, saying there was already a pushchair on the bus.

A First bus stopped just behind. Mr Valentine-Wheeler said: “The driver pulled up next to the raised kerb, lowered the bus and put the ramp out before I had chance to ask.

“He helped me on to the bus and ensured I was positioned safely When we got to Highwoods Square, he told me to wait while other passengers got off. He then drove to where the kerb was raised, lowered the bus, put the ramp down and helped me off. It was the sort of service anyone who is disabled should get.” Mr Valentine-Wheeler was expecting a visit from Network Colchester’s regional manager Martin Evans today.

Mr Evans said: “We have issued a reminder to drivers regarding customer service and how they should deal with people with disability. We have listened to Mr Valentine-Wheeler’s comments and carried out investigations.”

Mr Evans said the drivers involved would be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure operated by parent group, TGM.