Burntwood Town Councillor and Blue Badge holder Cllr Kathy Coe Speaks Out

Burntwood Town Councillor and Blue Badge holder, Cllr Kathy Coe, has spoken out on behalf of other Blue Badge holders about the negative impacts of Lichfield District Counci’s implementation of the pedestrianisation of Lichfield City centre.

She said:
“Surely it is not beyond the understanding and capabilities of the District Council to protect the disabled parking spaces so that those people who are recognised as having mobility difficulties can access the city centre, can go shopping, meet up with friends for a coffee or a meal.  Blue Badge holders enjoy going out and socialising too!  Trying to find a suitable parking space is a nightmare in Lichfield and I think it damages the local economy too as people become more reluctant to even try to park in a place that meets their needs.”

Cllr Coe, herself a wheelchair user, was moved to speak out about the human impact of the loss of Blue Badge parking when she received the following from a Burntwood Resident:   

“I am 71 years old and have MS.I am able to walk but have to have my carer with me for support as I have balance and fatigue problems and she has to drive me as I had my licence revoked due to my illness.I was very angry to hear the council were thinking of suspending blue badge parking in the centre.Yes,there are car parks with some disabled parking,but not many,which means extra walking.The multi story car park has no lift,sloping floors and very tight parking spaces.Not suitable for the needs of some disabled drivers and people with wheel chairs.We visit Lichfield most weeks and contribute to the economic side of the city by shopping there.The local banks have closed,so Lichfield is the nearest.There are also several health and medical services in the centre.

A high percentage of the centre is already pedestrianised ,so I feel strongly that the route for disabled drivers to park and pass through is not a lot to ask.”

Cllr Coe added:
“This person completely echoes my own feelings about this but, as a councillor, I have a responsibility to speak up for the many disabled drivers and Blue Badge holders in a similar position. Eighteen 

months doesn’t sound so much like a trial period to me but a backdoor way of making it permanent. It will certainly be a trial for those of us who will effectively be shut out of the city centre for a year and a half.”