The Epsom Guardian is calling on Epsom and Ewell Council to back down on its proposals to charge blue badge holders for parking.

Last week we revealed the council plans to charge disabled people for parking in all council-run car parks in Epsom, as part of swingeing budget cuts being proposed in an attempt to save about £500,000 for the next financial year.

However, it is not too late for the council to change its mind. The Epsom Guardian is calling for councillors to vote against these proposals at the next full council meeting on February 16.

We are also urging residents to contact their local councillor to voice their protest.

Chris Grayling, Shadow Home Secretary and MP for Epsom and Ewell, has criticised the move and showed support for our campaign.

He said: “I know times are tough, but I really don’t think that disabled people should bear the burden of any cutbacks that are needed. We have got to be careful to make sure that we look after the vulnerable as a first priority.”

Disabled residents and groups have since spoken out about the plans, arguing it takes them longer to carry out activities such as shopping than it does able-bodied people.

They have also highlighted the fact many disabled people’s finances are dire because they are unable to work.

Geoff Jelly, chairman of Epsom Access Group, said: “Disabled people need more time to do ordinary daily activities such as shopping. It takes longer for them to get into and out of a vehicle, to get from the vehicle to the shops and then to complete their shopping and return. It is for this reason that parking concessions are made.

“The borough council proposes to withdraw this concession, effectively putting a charge on the extra time it takes disabled people to do everyday activities, which others take in their stride.

“It is a well known and researched fact that disabled people, in general, fall into the lowest income bracket. Yet it is proposed that disabled blue badge users find extra funds to use when parking.”

- While several council committees tighten their belts and propose cuts on vital services in a bid to save money a small victory has been achieved.

Last week, we mentioned in our front page story how the Route Call dial-a-ride service had been earmarked for cancellation.

But at a social committee meeting held on Thursday, councillors voted in favour of re-pricing the service instead of shutting it down.

The final decision will now be made at the full council meeting on February 16.

The new fees will be decided at the meeting if councillors vote in favour of re-pricing then.