Disabled spaces call for village

A village has requested designated parking spaces for disabled drivers on its high street.
Two disabled spaces are proposed outside Heckingtons chemist shop. EMN-160701-144718001Two disabled spaces are proposed outside Heckingtons chemist shop. EMN-160701-144718001
Two disabled spaces are proposed outside Heckingtons chemist shop. EMN-160701-144718001

The request to the county highways department comes after Heckington Parish Council gave its backing to a request from local vicar, Rev Chris Harrington.

The parish council could not put a designated space on the village green due to its limited powers of enforcement.

Rev Harrington said research revealed 285 disabled blue badge holders in Heckington, adding: “My wife has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a powered wheelchair.

“A friend in the village has recently become disabled and couldn’t find a suitable space. Others have told me they find it difficult, especially in a vehicle with a wheelchair ramp, and Heckington has a high retired population.”

The recommendation is for two spaces outside the chemist and another by the parish church for visitors that have difficulties walking.

Rev Harrington said: “They have spaces in Ruskington yet none in Heckington. It is only when you live with a disability that you learn the daily struggle they face.”

Local county councillor Barry Young added a note of caution from highways officers, warning this would exclude spaces from general use by motorists. He said: “There would have to be consultation, particularly with shop keepers affected. It is quite a long and expensive process.”