THE PARENTS of a severely disabled man said they were disgusted after he was refused travel in a black cab for the second time in a year.

Ashley McDermot, 21, of Carnforth Close, Blackburn, has cerebral palsy and learning difficulties caused by a stroke before birth, meaning he cannot speak or walk.

He had been shopping in Blackburn town centre with his parents Richard and Annette when they decided to get a taxi home from a rank in Ainsworth Street.

Mr McDermot, 53, said: "My wife opened the door and put some shopping on the seat, but when the driver saw Ashley in his wheelchair he started saying "I'm not taking disabled".

"I went round to talk to him to find out what was going on, but he just kept repeating that he wouldn't take anyone who was disabled.

"We use black cabs all the time to get around in with Ashley because they have ramps and wide doors that are suitable for him, so I have no idea what the problem was.

"It's unacceptable discrtimination against the disabled and if it is happening to us, how many others are being affected?"

Mrs McDermot, 49, said: "This is the second time it's happened and it's disgusting.

"The first time was in August and when we complained to the council we were told that it was a taxi from Manchester and there was nothing that they could do about it.”

The family travelled home in a different taxi shortly afterwards.

Ashley's grandfather Richard McDermot has made a formal complaint to the licencing department at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

He said: "Disgusted is not the word. I don't see any good reason why he was not allowed to travel in that taxi. "I think it's terrible, completely out of order.”

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: "We take complaints of this nature very seriously and are looking into the circumstances. We have already spoken to the family and will continue to keep them updated.

"In general terms a Hackney carriage can't refuse to carry passengers on the grounds of disability. However, there are very limited circumstances where a refusal to carry a wheelchair would be acceptable on safety grounds."