Mums appeal to supermarkets for special needs trolleys

Mums of children with special needs who have been campaigning to get adapted trolleys at a supermarket were shocked to discover there has been one there all the time. Anna Cowie, of Shelley Road, has been asking for special needs trolleys at East Grinstead's Sainsbury's since the store was refurbished over a year ago - and has frequently been told by staff that none is available. She needs one for her son Jack, 12, who has severe learning disabilities, Down syndrome and autism.

"I have been going in weekly and talking to people on the information desk. I really pleaded with them to get the trolleys in before the summer holidays. I even called the head office. I have spoken to various different managers there."

She said shopping with Jack was impossible."My son is a 12-year-old in a 16-year-old body. I can't physically manage him any more because I'm quite small. He would run around the store, pulling things off the shelf and smashing goods. I try not to do my shopping when he is with me,but I'm a single mum and sometimes I can't avoid it."

Pippa Taylor, of Highcroft Road, Sharpthorne, is mum to Gareth Taylor,14, who has special needs. She said: "Life is stressful enough when you have a child who has special needs. There are a lot of activities they can't get involved with, but shopping can be possible, providing they are safe and secure. I have been trying to push him in a buggy with a basket balanced on top and watch him as well in case he grabs at things or people."

Mrs Cowie, 47, was joined by about five or six other mums on Monday night to protest at the lack of special needs trolleys - but a member of staff brought out a special needs trolley after the Observer's photographer had left. Mrs Cowie was shocked to see the trolley. She said: "It's wonderful, but what a pity it's been such a long time coming." But she added that more than one was needed. In a statement a spokesman for Sainsbury's said the store had one special needs trolley, which they have had since the refurbishment last November.

She added: "We would stress that we do attempt to do all we can to make sure that the customers' needs are met. We are very happy to talk to the mothers and would be happy to arrange a meeting to talk about what is needed."