A Manx cancer charity has hit out after a row over a ’quiet room’ at Liverpool Airport.

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has been angered after members say the airport had agreed that they could use a room there as a ’quiet room’ for patients travelling to and from Liverpool for medical treatment.

But the airport now says they cannot.

Representatives of the charity visited the airport to discuss having a dedicated ’quiet room’ adjacent to the Multi-Faith Prayer Room.

Vice chairman of the charity Carole Male said: ’Patients often have to wait there for up to seven hours while feeling very unwell.

’We have made plans and had quite a bit of work done on this and also had logos designed for the area.

’We agreed to pay all alteration and furnishing costs.

’On May 19 we received an email from them saying they’d changed their minds.’

The email, from the Liverpool Airport customer services department, stated: ’Unfornately, after a number of internal discussions it has been decided that the airport is unable to provide a dedicated quiet area in conjunction with the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group.

’As we are sure you appreciate, we have a number of operational demands at this time which means that, as a result, it is not appropriate or practical to make alterations.

’We do have a number of dedicated quiet spaces within the terminal departure lounge, the recently opened assistance area on the departure level, gate areas, the picnic area and certain food outlets, and feel that they are far more comfortable for your members’ needs.

’We understand you will be disappointed with this outcome.

’However, it just isn’t practical in terms of the existing strategy planning in place.’

Ms Male has now written to the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, asking for his help.

unacceptable

President of the charity David Gawne has also written to the airport saying: ’To withdraw at this stage without any real explanation is totally unacceptable and I would urge you to reconsider your decision as a matter of urgency.

’At the very least I think we are entitled to a detailed explanation and reimbursement of costs incurred.’

Asked about the decision, a spokesman for Liverpool Airport said: ’We recognise the varying needs of all our passengers, and understand the importance of this request and those of other similar organisations.

’We do already have a number of dedicated quiet spaces within the departure lounge and have proposed these along with continuing support in communicating to the passengers as required.’