Councillor's campaign for the disabled

A COUNCILLOR is launching a campaign to try and win parking concessions for disabled people visiting Warrington and Halton hospitals.
Cllr Helena Campbell (pictured), a member of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, decided to get involved after being inundated with complaints from disabled people in her area.
Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Trust decided to implement charges for disabled people on hospital car parks following the introduction of a new number plate recognition system.
The first half-hour is free – but motorists then have to pay £3 for up to five hours. A longer stay costs £5. Previously, disabled motorists could park for free.
Cllr Campbell said: “Local disabled people are telling me the changes are calling real hardship.
“They get a blue badge if they cannot walk more than 50 yards and most of the car park at Warrington Hospital is further away from the hospital entrance – never mind how far you have to walk once you’re inside the hospital.
“I am holding a meeting of local people who have expressed concern and then I proposed to write to the Trust chief executive, Mel Pickup, calling for a review of the charging system to benefit the disabled.
“It is not right that disabled people have to struggle to find a parking space, then pay and then walk considerable distances to the hospital. It is particularly bad when it is raining.”