A DISABLED cricket fan is sending his season ticket back in disgust after Durham County Cricket Club bosses raised the car parking charges.

Billy Wilson, 63, who sufferers from emphysema and arthritis of the spine, is a life-long cricket fan and has been a member of the Riverside club for the last seven years.

But when the cost of his disabled parking permit rose to £50 for the upcoming season, he decided the £5 increase was too much.

The cricket club, who allow many disabled supporters to park within the ground for easier access, say they have received no complaints from other disabled fans and the £50 charge only amounts to £1 a day.

Mr Wilson, who lives in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, said he lived for the chance to watch cricket at the Riverside.

He explained: "The cost of parking is nearly the same as the £60 I pay for my season ticket.

"I have been going to the Riverside for seven years so it breaks my heart to do this.

"I can only get around on crutches. Watching Durham play was pretty much the only pleasure I can get. It gets me depressed just thinking about it."

Durham County Cricket Club chief executive David Harker said the other 80-odd disabled supporters who park in the ground have not got a problem with the new charge. He added: "I am very disappointed that he feels it necessary to cancel his membership.

"We have limited spaces within the ground for disabled supporters to park.

"We think £50 is reasonable to park at the Riverside, especially compared to the £150 in a public car park up the road.

"We have a disabled forum which represents their interests at the club which we listen to.

"In charging for disabled parking we also considered that many disabled people would feel patronised if we charged nothing. Just because they are disabled doesn't mean they have no money and don't mind spending it."