As final preparations are made for the London date of the Live 8 concert, both event promoters and Westminster Council are trying to avoid responsibility for restrictions on the number of disabled people who will be able to attend the event. That follows reports that only 140 spaces are available at the concert for disabled ticket holders, which is a problem because some 300 disabled people were hoping to attend the event.
Promoters of the Live 8 event said that the number of places for disabled concert goers was limited by the size of the platform from which they will enjoy the event. That platform only has room for 140 disabled people and their carers, and all spaces have now been allocated. Live 8 publicist pointed out that there would be twice as many disabled people at this event than at last year's Party In The Park, the annual charity concert that Live 8 is replacing. Crucially he implied that the platform being used couldn't be increased in size because of restrictions set by the local licensing authority - Westminster Council.
However Council officials yesterday denied responsibility for setting the size of that platform. A spokesman told the BBC: "We take umbrage at the suggestion we told them how big the platform could be - that is up to the promoters and should be based on the number of people who want disabled access. We are surprised they are saying we are responsible for the decision. We would be more than willing for them to widen the platform, provided it satisfied health and safety requirements."