The policy of the New Theatre to allow the carers of disabled people free tickets to shows was a good one. It is hard enough for people with disabilities to access services and facilities. For many, it is impossible without a carer to help and guide them.

We are familiar with the abuse of car parking spaces set aside for drivers with a disability but we were quite shocked to learn that some people have been abusing the concessions offered to people with disabilities in order to get their way into sell-out shows at the New Theatre.

We trust that those who have done so will feel a little shame today at the news that the New Theatre has suspended the concession because of widespread abuse.

That said, we would appeal to the New Theatre to rethink its decision. Those with genuine reason to be accompanied by a carer are being penalised through no fault of their own.

The New Theatre's policy was a good one, it was simply not being implemented well.

Theatre managers say they do not want to cause offence by pressing applicants for details of their disability.

We cannot accept that there is not a way to do this sensitively and appropriately. There are many organisations in Oxfordshire who represent and work with people with disabilities. The New Theatre should talk to them and take advice about the best and most sensitive way to ensure that a perfectly good and decent policy can be applied without abuse and can benefit those who are most in need of it.