Disabled golfer sues council-run golf course for discrimination

A disabled builder is to sue Brentwood Borough Council after being asked to prove his disability before being allowed to use his mobility scooter on a council-owned golf course.

Paul Houghton, a former roofer who lost a leg to in 2000 to necrotizing fasciitis, said that he needs to use his buggy when playing golf as overuse of his crutches and prosthetic leg causes shoulder injuries pressure sores.

In August 2016, he says that he was told on arrival at Hartswood Golf Course – which is owned and operated by the local authority – that he would not be allowed on to the course without a letter from his doctor justifying the medical need for a buggy. If he obtained such a letter he was told he would be given a certificate allowing him to use his buggy.

Houghton argues that by refusing to allow him to use a buggy without a doctor's letter, the council discriminated against him because of his inability to walk around the golf course. He is arguing that the council is applying a policy that indirectly discriminates against all disabled people who need a buggy to play golf.

Houghton, who works for Chelmsford Borough Council as an access officer in building control, has represented England at disability golf 13 times.

In a statement, Brentwood Borough Council said that the council intends to defend the claim. “Brentwood Borough Council is committed to ensuring safe access for everyone to all its facilities. Brentwood Borough Council denies any discrimination and is fully defending the ongoing legal action” it said. “A full statement will be made on behalf of the council once legal action has concluded.”

A copy of the council’s gold buggy policy can be found here: http://www.brentwood.gov.uk/pdf/01062017134318u.pdf