Hammersmith and Fulham Council threatens to remove disabled girl's wheelchair
Family disputes council claims of working on solutions, citing accessibility needs and fire brigade's verbal confirmation.
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The central claim is attributed to the family and the council, but no independent sources or documents are cited.
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Hammersmith and Fulham Council has threatened to remove a disabled teenager's wheelchair, citing fire safety concerns. The family argues that the chair needs to be stored outside their top-floor flat for accessibility reasons, a claim disputed by the council.
Ruby Jennings, 17, relies on the wheelchair due to a condition called tibial torsion, which has required two major operations. Her mother, Donna Jennings, 47, stated that the council's proposal to store the chair elsewhere or risk its removal would have an enormous impact on her daughter.
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Accessibility and Fire Safety Concerns
The family, who live on the top floor of a block of flats with no immediate neighbours, received a notice from the council requesting the removal of the wheelchair from an external walkway. Ms Jennings explained that the council's suggestion to store it on the other side of the door and wrap it up was not feasible, as Ruby would be unable to unwrap it herself due to her inability to stand.
The family states that Ruby's safe evacuation in the event of a fire depends on her being able to quickly access her wheelchair. They also highlighted the particular distress caused to Ruby, who has autism, by the threat of the wheelchair being removed.
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The family said they visited a local fire station on the night the notice was issued. They reported that a fire brigade member verbally confirmed that the wheelchair's position outside the front door was not an issue. The London Fire Brigade had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.
Previous Incident and Council Response
The issue first arose in September last year when a council contractor reportedly used the wheelchair as a step to access a loft. The family filed a complaint, which the council acknowledged as "inappropriate and unacceptable". Donna Jennings stated that the day after this incident, a council officer contacted them to say the wheelchair had to be removed.
A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council stated that they have worked closely with the family to ensure the wheelchair can remain outside the home while complying with fire safety requirements. The council claims to have proposed several storage options and developed a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for Ruby. The notice, the council said, related to the removal of combustible items on the outdoor landing in line with fire safety measures.
However, Donna and Darren Jennings dispute the council's account, stating the issue has been ongoing for over a year and that the council has not adequately considered Ruby's accessibility needs. They are seeking reasonable adjustments from the council.
Questions this report answers
+Why did Hammersmith and Fulham Council threaten to remove the wheelchair?
Hammersmith and Fulham Council cited fire safety concerns as the reason for threatening to remove the disabled girl's wheelchair. The council stated the notice issued related to the removal of combustible items on the outdoor landing to keep residents safe.
+Why does the family need to keep the wheelchair outside?
The family argues the wheelchair must remain outside their flat for accessibility reasons. The teenager, Ruby Jennings, relies on the chair due to a medical condition, and it needs to be easily accessible for her to leave the flat and for safe evacuation in an emergency.
+What has the council said about working with the family?
A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council stated they have worked closely with the family to ensure the wheelchair can remain outside while complying with fire safety requirements. The council claims to have proposed storage options and developed a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan for Ruby.
+What did the London Fire Brigade say?
The family reported that they spoke with a member of the London Fire Brigade who verbally confirmed that the wheelchair's placement outside the front door was not an issue. The London Fire Brigade had not provided a comment to the publication at the time of reporting.
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