Frustration as parking branded a ‘nightmare’ for disabled people

CRIEFF: Resident says provision has deteriorated in the town centre over the last two years

A Crieff man has called on council bosses to remedy the “nightmare” parking arrangements for disabled people in the town.

Joseph Stewart said there were too few places and some of those which do exist require people with disabilities to walk up a steep hill into the town centre.

Mr Stewart lives in Crieff with his wife, Annette, both of whom are disabled and have blue badges for their car.

He said disabled parking provision in Crieff town centre had deteriorated over the last two years, and in particular since a pay and display system had been introduced.

“There isn’t enough and we need to be able to get our medication from the chemist,” he said.

“It has been a nightmare for every disabled person in Crieff.”

Mr Stewart said he had contacted local politicians about the issues, but feared nothing was being done to improve the situation.

A council spokesperson said: “Perth and Kinross Council can confirm that there were previously two disabled parking bays outside the former Royal Bank of Scotland and Drummond Arms in Crieff.

“The bays were subsequently removed some years ago as both businesses are no longer in operation, and a bus stop was installed in this location to assist residents and visitors with accessing public transport services.

“A new disabled bay was also put in place outside Boots in the town around the same time.”

The spokesperson also reminded blue badge holders that they can park in pay and display bays free of charge, and for an unlimited period of time.

Conservative councillor Roz McCall, who represents the Strathearn ward, said she understood Mr Stewart’s concerns and added that the authority made sure disabled spaces were situated near the point of entry into car parks.

“The overall siting and condition of the High Street parking has been raised and I sincerely hope that this is attended to as a matter of urgency,” she added.

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There isn’t enough and we need to be able to get our medication from the chemist. JOSEPH STEWART

Pictures: Steve MacDougall. Top: Joseph Stewart and his wife Annette with letters they have received back from local politicians on the issue. Above: Section of Crieff town centre lined with parked cars.