THE FATHER of a cerebral palsy sufferer who complained about access and seating for wheelchair users at Rodney Parade said that a new elevated platform has transformed his son's matchday experience.

Steve Parrish, 56, and his son, Karl, 30, from Caldicot, are huge Newport Gwent Dragons fans and have been season ticket holders at Rodney Parade since 2003.

In January 2014, when the Dragons played Northampton in torrential conditions at Rodney Parade, Mr Parrish vowed to buy his son a season ticket in the more modern Bisley Stand, which was opened in 2011. They had been sitting in the North Terrace.

However, Mr Parrish said that when he enquired about purchasing a season ticket for his son in the Bisley Stand, he was told that they could not accommodate Karl.

Mr Parrish added that their original seating on the North Terrace was “a rickety bus shelter from Beirut”, with an obscured view whenever someone stood up in front of them.

Now, he is very pleased with the new elevated platform on the North Terrace, which was constructed in time for the Dragons' match against Stade Français on January 24.

He said: “It’s an uninterrupted view of the game and you can see right across the pitch. It’s an elevated view, of around four or five feet. No one can stand in front of them now.

“Before, we were stuck in a corner; now we’re out and amongst it.

“It’s transformed it for Karl and he can see the whole areas of the game. He was too engrossed in the game to even comment on it.”

He added: “It’s the first time that Karl has had an uninterrupted view and it’s all very positive.

“It’s great that someone has taken notice of issues for wheelchair users.”

Mark Jones, head of operations at Rodney Parade, said that discussions are ongoing regarding further improvements to facilities for wheelchair users at the ground.

He said: “We’re thrilled that we have made a difference. The step was taken in conjunction with ourselves, some sponsors, and Steve and Karl – who were the main players.

“It’s only a small step and discussions are ongoing regarding possible funding for bettering the facilities for wheelchair users.

“We really are trying our best.”