‘Intimidatingly large’ disabilities group banned from holiday camp

The party of 26 along with 10 carers were all set for their summer stay at Butlins Holiday Camp in Skegness, where they have gone for the past 19 years but the group from Firth Park, Sheffield, had their trip cancelled by camp bosses.

Butlins says the group of 26, looked after by 10 carers, has grown too large – although it would still be happy to take them if they came in two batches.

But the mother of one of the club members says the issue has never been raised before and that for many of them it is their only chance of a holiday.

Christina Staniland, 86, said her 59-year-old son Gary, who has Down’s Syndrome, has been on the trip for the past five years.

She said at her home in Longley, Sheffield: “It is the highlight of his year.

“They all have a lovely time and he can’t wait to go.

“He wishes he could go every week.

“This year everyone has paid their money and booked the coaches. When the club members were told they couldn’t go this year they became very upset and some were crying.

“Some of them never go on any other holiday and all they talk about from one week to the next is Butlins.

“The managers told us they hadn’t got enough staff and that people find the group intimidating, but I think it is a case of discrimination.”

Mrs Staniland said last September when the group, organised by Sheffield Futures, went to the camp there were very few families with children on holiday.

She added: “The holiday is also important for the club members’ families – as a carer the week gives me a welcome break too.”

A spokeswoman for Butlins said the Skegness resort had welcomed groups of adults from the Milan Centre for many years.

“The group size has been growing in recent years and has hit 36 this year.

“Our resorts are very family-focused and our terms and conditions specify that large adult-only groups are accepted at the resort director’s discretion.

“During term time we have large numbers of tots and toddlers on our family breaks and feedback from our guests shows the children on these breaks often find large all-adult groups very intimidating.

“This information combined with a growing group size from the Milan Centre means that we are unable to accept this group unless they come in two smaller groups on different breaks.”