A DISABLED woman was “disgusted” after feeling abandoned by a taxi firm which took her to a village but would not take her home unless she coughed up £30.

Eventually Chester Radio Taxis agreed to deliver Jean Simm, 78, back to her Waverton home in one of its Hackney carriages capable of carrying her electric wheelchair – and for the usual £8.10 fare.

The taxi firm claims the issue is “not black and white” because of particular issues associated with conveying people in wheelchairs.

Mrs Simm, a widow, said: “It was disgusting because I cannot walk at all. I don’t know why they were like that – they have always treated me well – particularly as I booked the day before.

“It was the fact they knew I was disabled. It’s discriminatory against disabled people.”

Last Wednesday Jean was looking forward to lunch with a friend and had booked a taxi to and from Carriages restaurant in Tattenhall.

But after dining the pair became concerned when the return taxi failed to appear at the agreed time of 3pm. On inquiring about the delay the switchboard operator said it was busy time and the only cabbie willing to take the fare wanted £30.

A taxi eventually arrived at 4.20pm – almost an hour and 20 minutes late – and charged the usual £8.10 fare.

Mrs Simm, who is now boycotting the firm, added: “Even the man who brought me home said I don’t know where they got £30 from. It’s ridiculous.

Mrs Simm, whose disability was caused by polio in her youth, said the day of the incident had started badly after a wheel came off her electric wheelchair and an inspection has revealed she needs a new one priced £5,000.

Mrs Simm’s friend Valerie Martin, from St Marks Road, Saltney said the taxi firm displayed “discriminatory” behaviour and showed a “total lack of compassion”.

Paul Shepherd of Chester Radio Taxis said the issues were “very complicated”.

Not all black cabs could take all wheel chairs and at the time when the taxi was due to take back Mrs Simm there were not many suitable cars available due to the school run.

In addition, most drivers were self-employed and many would not be interested in taking the fare because of the number of “dead miles” given the car would have to go to and from Chester and because of the additional health and safety issues associated with conveying disabled people.

He said the booking was taken “because we try and accommodate her” but explained that at peak times it was difficult. He said: “We do try and do our best.”