Concerns raised after disabled parking spaces removed in Daventry
Charity fears disabled parking changes will affect vulnerable residents
A decision by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to remove disabled parking bays at the front entrance of Daventry Leisure Centre on Lodge Road has been met with criticism and concern over accessibility.
Local charity Signpost Wellbeing, which supports vulnerable disabled individuals, has formally complained to the council regarding the impact on those needing access to the leisure centre and surrounding community services.
Dottie Davies, chairperson of Signpost Wellbeing, described the situation as "catastrophic," after receiving complaints from over 30 individuals since the start of this week.
"The people we look after at Signpost are vulnerable disabled people who really need the help and social connection a leisure centre provides," Davies said.
“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.”
Disabled parking was essential for access to both the leisure centre and the nearby Job Centre, as confirmed by local resident Louise, who expressed worry over where she would drop off her wheelchair-bound daughter.
"It was useful having those parking spaces there, but it’s not a luxury," Louise said, noting the importance of accessible parking to those attending the centre's coffee mornings.
WNC stated it is actively exploring alternative nearby options for permanent disabled bays and highlighted available limited waiting bays on Golding Close, where Blue Badge holders do not need to adhere to maximum time restrictions.
Despite inquiries, the council has not provided a rationale for the decision to revoke existing spaces on Lodge Road.
Signpost Wellbeing advocates for the reinstatement of the disabled parking spaces, emphasising that "accessibility is not a luxury – it’s a necessity."
The community continues to wait for further developments from WNC regarding these parking arrangements and the impact on those with accessibility needs.
The LDRS asked the council why the decision was made to take away the existing spaces on Lodge Road, but did not receive a response.