A disabled man is taking legal action against Punch Taverns – after they failed to provide access to his local pub.

Royal Navy veteran Michael Brodie, 45, left disabled after the Gulf War in 1991, couldn’t believe his local had undergone a £100,000 refit – but still didn’t have ramps for his wheelchair.

Michael moved to Scholes, near Cleckheaton, last year and wants to socialise in The Walkers Arms.

The pub is just across the road from his home and would be handy for a drink.

The Walkers Arms, Scholes, Cleckheaton.

However Michael found himself effectively barred because there was no disabled access front or rear.

He said: “I went in April when a renovation costing £100,000 had just been completed and I raised my concerns with one of the renovation managers but just got fobbed off.

“So I then wrote an email to landlords, Punch Taverns, who said they have no legal duty to provide disabled access or bathroom facilities.

“I live with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and served 14 years in the Royal Navy in Aircraft Control.

“At the time we moved I was working part-time and had no friends or contacts in the area and so felt isolated in my environment on my days off. Going to the Walkers Arms would have filled such a large void in my life as it’s just across the road from me.”

Michael claims that when he visited the pub while the renovation was taking place he asked one of the men organising it if there were bathroom facilities and he said no.

He said: “Then he added: ‘Well, if we did get you in you could leave the pub, go home, use the toilet and then come back.’ I was astounded and upset by what he said.

Disabled Navy veteran Mike Brodie - angry over lack of disabled access at The Walkers Arms, Scholes, Cleckheaton.

“I went home found out that Punch Taverns owned the pub and sent an email setting out that their pub was inaccessible and violated the Equality Act 2010 and suggested they put that right.

“I had a reply on email telling me they had no obligation legally to provide access.

“I appointed Unity Law in Sheffield to take the case on and they agreed.

“Punch Taverns have really dragged their heels and never replied to Unity for ages. They were hoping that I’d go away but I haven’t and won’t.”

Not being able to visit The Walkers, which boasts that it is “everyone’s favourite local!” has become even more important for Michael since December 4 last year when his deteriorating health meant he was forced to give up work.

His wife works and cares for her elderly parents so he is regularly on his own.

A Punch spokeswoman said: “When completing any large scale refurbishment to our properties we will always, and are happy to, comply with the Equality Act.

“We also provide our tenants with all the information they need to comply on a day-to-day basis.

“We can confirm that the claims made by Mr Brodie are being dealt with by our solicitors.”