A BLIND woman has slammed a cafe after the owners refused to admit her guide dog.

Susan Henshall, of Maple Close, Dovercourt, was told to leave the White Coffee House, in Kingsway, after visiting with her two-year-old labrador, Usef.

The guide dog was wearing a high-visibility harness and a sign, when cafe owners Gary and Coral Cox refused to serve Miss Henshall.

They say the last guide dog they admitted was sick, leading them to change their policy.

She was offered a seat outside, but refused and has reported the cafe to the Guide Dogs Association.

Miss Henshall said: “Having a guide dog opens my life up and gives me confidence, but this has been a knock.

“My dog was on a harnass and under control. He would have sat down at my feet.

“I didn’t stay. I just walked out. I was very angry. I’m not a second class citizen.”

Miss Henshall, who was born with 10 per cent vision in her left eye, has had five guide dogs.

She said she had visited various cafes and restaurants in Harwich, without a problem.

Gary Cox, cafe owner, said: “We had a problem a year ago when a dog sicked up in the cafe and it cleared the place.

“We were told we don’t have to allow dogs on the premises.

“I have spoken to the Guide Dogs Association about the issue and they understood as well.

“I sympathise with anyone with not very good vision, but we are a very small place and that is our policy.”

David Cowdrey, the Guide Dogs Association’s head of campaigns, said: “Guide dog owners such as Miss Henshall rely on their dogs for mobility and independence.

“This is recognised in the Equality Act 2010, which requires restaurants and other service providers not to discriminate against disabled people.

“Staff at restaurants and food shops often cite hygiene issues – the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers has confirmed that guide and other assistance dogs should have access to these premises and there is no conflict with hygiene laws.

“Guide Dogs is happy to visit the White Coffee House to offer training and advice on the law and just how important a job guide dogs do for their owners.”