COMPANY shop in St Helens sells surplus items to staff from the NHS and emergency services at a discount. 


Members can take a guest in with them. From time to time, they allow two guests with each member.


Whilst out with my elderly parents last week, I decided to call in to the store to pick up a few items. 


It was a very hot day and, as I couldn’t leave them both in the hot car, I took them in with me, allowing dad who is 86, to push the trolley due to his poor mobility. 


As I entered the store, I was stopped by a young man and asked why I was bringing two people with me.


I explained that it was (a) too hot to leave them in the car, (b) dad couldn’t be left on his own and (c) mum had her own guest card but was having difficulty locating it.


I was informed in front of the other shoppers that it didn’t matter, I could not bring my parents in, rules are rules, and we left.


Outside, I telephoned the store and spoke to the manager.


I explained that my parents are elderly and dad is disabled and unable to be left alone. 


I was then told I would have to prove his disability if I wanted to come back.

I was left speechless that a company in the 21st century, after all the disability awareness training we are meant to have had, could expect customers to “prove they are disabled” and not use a little common sense.


I respect rules are there to avoid people taking advantage but it is absurd that there are times when it is OK to bring two guests and yet they find it acceptable to ask customers to leave the store at others.


Mandy Owen,
via sthelensstar.co.uk