Northamptonshire support charity raises complaints over removal of disabled parking
A council decision to remove disabled parking bays at the front of a leisure centre has been branded “catastrophic”, after concerns were raised that some people will no longer be able to access community services.
The spaces concerned are located at the front entrance of Daventry Leisure Centre, on Lodge Road. Signage at each end of the street marks it as a pedestrian zone, only allowing access for buses, taxis, loading by lorries, and formerly parking for disabled people.
Local support charity, Signpost Wellbeing, said it had submitted a complaint to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) regarding the removal of the parking bays and the impact these changes may have on disabled people accessing the leisure centre and other community services.
The council said it is currently exploring alternative nearby options for permanent disabled bays.
Dottie Davies, chairperson of Signpost Wellbeing, said she had been contacted by over 30 people raising complaints and requests for support around the leisure centre parking issue since the start of last week.
“It’s been catastrophic,” she told the LDRS, “The people we look after at Signpost are vulnerable disabled people who really need the help and support, social connection and benefits of a leisure centre.
“They can’t go from the car park where they’re being told to park because it’s too far to walk for some people and the doors at the back entrance are always locked.
“By the time they get to the leisure centre [front entrance] they can’t participate because they’re too ill.”
Dottie added: “The council should reinstate the disabled car parking outside the front of the leisure centre. There’s been no thought about the people that this is seriously putting at a disadvantage.
“Accessibility is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. No one should face unnecessary barriers when trying to access support, social connection or activities that help improve their health and wellbeing.”
A WNC spokesman said: “We are exploring alternative nearby options for permanent disabled bays.
“In the meantime, there are limited waiting bays available in Golding Close and, as long as a blue badge is on display in their vehicle, holders do not need to adhere to the maximum time there.”
The LDRS asked the council why the decision was made to take away the existing spaces but did not receive a response.