I WOULD like to congratulate North Somerset Council on the fact that with an abundance of bright yellow paint, and the designation of 'loading lines' on virtually every back street and lane around the town...

I WOULD like to congratulate North Somerset Council on the fact that with an abundance of bright yellow paint, and the designation of 'loading lines' on virtually every back street and lane around the town, they have pretty well emasculated the use of the 'Disabled' Blue Badge.

Some of the places they have defaced are quite bizarre and there is virtually no loading ever done. Not only have they done this, but have actually removed some of the disabled bays.

I have always understood that the ability to park on double yellow lines, in areas that do not constitute a hazard, has been the backbone of the scheme, allowing disabled people to be able to park near the shops, without having to walk too far. This is now virtually impossible.

I contacted the Blue Badge office in the Town Hall and, having discussed the rules and regulations set down in the handbook, came to the conclusion that everything now is very vague, and I personally would not like to risk a possible fine, and have to rely on the current information.

I could understand if the designation of particular areas, where problems continually occurred, were targeted, but it seems to have been just a statement of 'do everything'.

Reminds me a bit of when I was in the army, and they made you paint everything white, even the coal, if a VIP was coming around.

I would hope that the council takes a long and hard look at what has been done and scales it down somewhat.

ROBERT BURTON

Blaisdon

Locking Castle

Weston