My Local Prezzo

Here in West Bromwich, we have a local hero named Dave Heeley. Those of a less PC bent call him Blind Dave. It’s an epithet that makes me cringe, although he doesn’t seem to mind it.

Despite his handicap, Dave has done a lot of fantastic work for West Bromwich Albion’s charity, The Albion Foundation. This year, he became the first blind man to complete the gruelling Marathon des Sables, a 160-mile run across the Sahara Desert. As if that wasn’t achievement enough, less than two weeks later, he completed the London Marathon.

To us Yam-yams (people from the Black Country), he is a treasure; a genuine hero, with a special place in all of our hearts. He ranks right up there with the late, great Jeff Astle.

So, it was a source of outrage and dismay for us to learn that he was refused entry to the Prezzo in West Bromwich town centre because he had Seamus with him. Seamus is his guide dog.

I could not believe it when I heard about the incident. It’s bad enough that something like this could happen to any blind person; but to treat Dave Heeley like this is disgusting. That man has put more into this town than Prezzo ever has or ever will. Give us a choice between Dave or Prezzo and we won’t even hesitate – Dave every time.

So, fuck you, Prezzo. Get out of our town; you just outstayed your welcome.