Disabled Man Criticizes Co-op Live for New Parking Charges

David Jackson, a 77-year-old disabled man from Macclesfield, has voiced his frustration over new parking charges at Co-op Live, which he claims are unfair. After enjoying free parking for over a year, Jackson recently discovered that he now faces a £25 fee for Blue Badge parking at the venue, which stands in stark contrast to the complimentary parking offered during the opening season.

Since its launch in May 2022, Jackson has been a frequent visitor to Co-op Live, attending around 15 concerts in that time. He has relied on a wheelchair for mobility since suffering a stroke that impacted his movement 22 years ago. Jackson commended the initial free parking initiative, stating it allowed him to enjoy live music without the logistical challenges of public transport late at night.

In July 2023, the venue introduced new parking charges as the free accessible parking period came to an end. The £25 fee now applies to Blue Badge holders, the same amount charged for standard parking. Jackson expressed his disappointment, noting the inconsistency in parking policies. He pointed out that Blue Badge holders can park for free during Manchester City football matches, which utilize the same parking facilities.

“I love going to live music concerts. I was so excited when Co-op Live opened. What a great local venue for music!” Jackson said. “The blue badge parking was wonderful. It meant we could get there and get home safely.”

Jackson’s neighbor, Carole, who often drives him to concerts, echoed his concerns about the lack of communication regarding the new charges. She noted that the sudden introduction of the fee felt discriminatory, especially considering that many individuals with Blue Badges rely on the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for support.

“There’s just no consistency. When Man City have control, it’s free; when Co-op Live has control, it’s not,” Carole remarked. “Most people with Blue Badges are on DLA, so the money the government gives them is going to private parking firms.”

Despite his frustrations, Jackson acknowledged the positive aspects of Co-op Live, praising the staff for their friendliness and the venue’s accessibility features. He emphasized that the introduction of parking charges increases the overall cost of enjoying live music, which can be burdensome for disabled individuals.

In response to the criticism, Co-op Live stated that the free accessible parking was initially provided as a goodwill gesture during its opening season, which also included complimentary public transport. The venue confirmed that parking must now be booked in advance online, with all charges clearly displayed at the time of purchase.

Jackson hopes that the management will reconsider the new parking policy to better accommodate disabled visitors, ensuring that everyone has equal access to the cultural experiences offered at Co-op Live.