A DISABLED teenager was distraught at being told she wouldn't be able to see her favourite pop bands at the BIC.

Christine Brookes, 17, of Catalina Close, Mudeford, was reduced to tears after she was told she would be barely able to glimpse bands like Hear'Say, Blue and A1 from her wheelchair.

The Smash Hits 2001 concert on December 5 will be all-standing and wheelchairs will have to be parked along the side of the BIC's Windsor Hall.

Mum Dawn Brookes told the venue's staff there was no point buying a ticket if her daughter would not be able to see the stage.

"I had my daughter there at the time and she was in tears because she can't see the groups she wants to see," Mrs Brookes said.

She said the rest of the BIC did not present a problem. "You've got a modern building which is fantastic for access to the disabled. All the other facilities there are brilliant," she said.

Her complaint has been taken up by Independent councillor Ron Whittaker, who said her case was "extremely upsetting" and "blatant discrimination".

Rob Zuradzki, entertainments manager, said: "The problem we have - and it's one that's ongoing since the place was built - is that we've got no facilities for wheelchairs at standing concerts. We've never had a platform built."

He said the council was looking into the problem but the solution could cost nearly £1million.

"We just can't whack a platform up and stick a couple of wheelchairs on it - it's not as simple as that.It's something we're well aware of and it's something we're trying to address," he said.

"It rears its ugly head at least once or twice a year. I would dearly love to do something for the disabled, especially younger kids."

He said he would be contacting Mrs Brookes to see if there was any way he could help.