A WOMAN is urging a council to reconsider its decision to charge for disabled parking.

In June, Durham City Council decided to introduce charges for disabled badge holders at its five city centre car parks.

The move was not opposed by the Durham City Access Group, which thought charging might discourage abuse of the disabled parking system.

It was also estimated that introducing the fees would save the council £50,000 a year.

But now, almost a month after they took effect, disabled woman Irene Slatter, 59, of Nevilles Cross, is calling for them to be revoked.

She said: "Disabled drivers have no choice but to use their cars, whereas able bodied people have always got a choice.

"I had polio when I was 12 and I can't get around without my car. To penalise me for this seems so mean."

"They are also taking the disabled bays out of the Market Place which means that the centre of Durham will be a no-go area for me. I think the council should think again."

David Stewart, senior transportation engineer for Durham City Council, said the chances of a change in policy were 'exceedingly small,' adding that Durham County Council was funding a shop mobility scheme to replace the Market Place disabled bays.