Couple in row over seats at New York Club and Institute in Blossom Street

Chris Chipchase, of Hotham Avenue, Chapelfields, was in the New York Club and Institute in Blossom Street with his partner, Helen Jaram, when staff asked them to give up their seats.

“Helen can only sit on high backed chairs and not on stools, because of her problem,” said Chris, 38.

“The staff asked us to move, then got two big committee guys to come over and intimidate her, which made her feel unwell.”

Helen suffered carbon monoxide poisoning ten years ago and has been registered disabled with partial paralysis to her left side.

She said: “The paralysis affects my neurological system and my memory.

“My brain doesn’t send some signals any more, which is also why I have low blood pressure and black out. I had to learn to walk, talk and eat all over again. Just because I can’t sit on a stool, there’s no reason I should have to leave a club.”

The couple claim they told the staff of Helen’s disability, which means she suffers from low blood pressure, and cannot stand for long and cannot hold herself up on backless chairs without feeling faint or passing out.

Henry Haveron, a committee member at the club, said the couple was given the option of appropriate seating before they were asked to leave.

He said: “They were offered seats with backs, but we needed them to move because the area they were in needed to be used for a darts match,” he said.

“When they refused suitable alternative chairs, we said they wouldn’t be served and eventually called the police.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed officers were called to the club.

“Officers attended and a man and woman were asked to leave the premises,” he said.

“A counter-allegation was made against the New York Club. However no offences were committed and no further action was taken.

“The man and woman, who were asked to leave, were advised that this was a civil matter between them and the club and must contact them if they have a complaint against them.”