Facilities at the NMM

Sir,

On a recent visit to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, I was surprised and dismayed to find that once one was inside the museum building itself, there appeared to be absolutely no facilities for the disabled. There are only stairs leading from the main gallery to the ground floor, thus apparently necessitating a journey all the way round outside the building to enter by one of the fire exits under the monorail. Good if it is raining . . . and you are on your own in a wheelchair. . . .

As far as access to the motorcycle gallery is concerned, this again only seems to be via two flights of concrete stairs, up some considerable height to nearly the roof, with absolutely no alternative come rain or shine. In view of the fact that this is a museum built in the enlightened 1970s, and for Lord Montagu, who is no less than President of the Disabled Drivers’ Association, I wonder what your own views are concerning this apparently considerable oversight that has been allowed to continue for 10 years? Maybe there are some disabled readers of Motor Sport who can add something to this observation from practical experience? I gather that well over £1 million is to be spent on further attractions and buildings in the near future, and as far as I can see, no mention is made of installing adequate lifts.

Nigel Stuart, London, W1