A DISABLED mother was ‘humiliated’ when she was not allowed onto a train with her mobility scooter.

Catherine Riley said the conductor told her, ‘you’re not getting on with that thing’ as she and her daughter attempted to board a train at Blackburn station.

The 49-year-old has a genetic brain condition which means she needs a scooter to get around.

Daughter Chelsea Riley said the pair were left stranded on the platform after buying a return ticket to Preston.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Chelsea said: “We bought a ticket from the ticket office, who never mentioned she wouldn’t be able to get on.

“We went to the middle of the train as instructed to get onto the train, but then the conductor came over, pointed at my mum’s scooter and said, ‘you’re not getting on with that thing’."

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“I was very annoyed, we were humiliated and angry.

“We can’t believe he didn’t let us on. He never asked if it could be folded away or put in the luggage area, he just didn’t let us on.

“The train started and left us on the platform.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

On Northern’s website, guidelines say for safety reasons mobility scooters cannot be taken on unless they are able to be folded down before boarding and carried on like luggage.

Catherine said: “The scooter can be folded down and taken on but the conductor never gave us the chance.

“The man who sold us the ticket apologised and was very sensitive about the whole thing, and it wasn’t his fault.

“Instead of a shopping trip to Preston we had to go back and stay in Blackburn.

“We’re very upset with Northern.”

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A spokesman for Northern said: “We are truly sorry to the customer for her experience travelling with Northern and the distress it caused.

“We are currently investigating the incident and will look to speak directly with the customer as part of this process.

“At the moment, the only mobility scooters we can take on our trains are those that can be folded and carried on as a piece of luggage.

“This is due to the restricted manoeuvrability and stability of mobility scooters and the design of our current trains.

“Most of our trains were built before mobility scooters were introduced and so were not designed with them in mind.

“Our train crews are happy to assist with loading and unloading a folded scooter.

“We participate in the industry-wide Passenger Assist programme and encourage customers who may require assistance when travelling on our services, to contact us before they travel on 0800 1385560.

“We are focussed on improving access for all.”