‘INCONSIDERATE’ drivers are parking in disabled bays and preventing blue badge-holders from accessing vital services.

Calls have been made for increased traffic warden patrols in Dalton after motorists were spotted illegally using disabled parking bays.

One blue-badge holder has been unable to access Lloyds Pharmacy in Market Street for a number of days because the disabled bay has been blocked.

He said: “My partner needs an ankle replacement and is on crutches.

“She has a blue badge but we can never get a space in a disabled bay. We’re never able to park there. There was a tractor and a British Gas van illegally parked there the other day.

“We even went to Barrow and thought we’d come back a few hours later and they were still there.

“It’s very frustrating. My partner isn’t fit to hobble from the Co-op car park to the chemist for her medication and she shouldn’t have to.

“This is affecting her getting access to her medication.

“My partner moved in with me 12 months ago and in almost all that time we’ve never been able to get a disabled parking spot.”

The concerned resident is calling on drivers to be ‘considerate’ and think of those who genuinely need the parking bays.

He said: “People need to be considerate and think of other people. There’s two free car parks in Dalton yet people are choosing to park in the disabled spot because it’s closer which isn’t right.

“It’s convenient for drivers because it’s right next to the shop and the pharmacy but it puts extra strain on blue-badge holders who have to find alternative spots.”

He is calling for an increased presence of traffic wardens in Dalton.

“A warden that policed that area would be great,” he said.

“You never see traffic wardens in Dalton but maybe if people saw them walking about they would consider not parking in disabled bays.

“It just really frustrates you. We haven’t even managed to get my partner’s medication yet because we can’t park in a disabled bay even though we have a badge.

“It doesn’t seem right.”

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council confirmed they are working with the local community to address parking issues in Dalton.

He said: “We are aware of concerns regarding parking enforcement in Dalton.

“Officers are working with the local community and local councillor to address these issues and will increase patrols in the area.”