A WINSFORD woman has criticised ‘unfair’ Government changes to the blue badge scheme that have left her disabled daughter facing serious mobility issues.

For the past 18 years, Pamela Pritchard has been granted a disabled parking pass for her 26-year-old daughter, Claire, who has Down’s syndrome.

But when she went to Wyvern House to renew the badge on May 8 she was told that new Department for Transport guidelines meant Claire was no longer eligible.

“My husband died at the end of last year and it’s just down to me to look after Claire now,” said Pamela.

“She is able to walk but not any great distance. We’ve always had the blue badge in the past on the grounds of mental disability, because Claire has no perception of the dangers involved with passing traffic.”

Pamela said her life was ‘difficult enough as it is’ being the sole carer for Claire, and has recently spent a considerable amount of money updating facilities in her house to accommodate Claire’s future needs.

A recent trip to the theatre rubbed salt in the wounds.

“I took her to see the Lion King a week ago which necessitated me in asking a friend to drop me off at the station, because I would have been unable to park.

“We got the train from Hartford. It was so busy at the station that we had to park on the main road and walk.

“Then, when we got to the station there were six empty disabled spots.”

Pamela is now calling for blue badge cases to be judged on individual merit, not to a set of inflexible rules.

“It’s so unfair. I just can’t see why they’ve got to be so black and white,” she added.

“People aren’t getting the help when they need it. They’re trying to prune out the people who they don’t think need blue badges.”

Cheshire West and Chester councillor Stephen Burns said: “In my opinion the Government is taking a short sighted and cruel view, as many people with mental health issues and learning difficulties really do struggle when accessing facilities within their community.

“It is yet another example of a government that just does not understand disability and a perfect example of how this government is making cuts to the most vulnerable people in society.”

A Council spokesman said: “As Miss Pritchard is not in receipt of a benefit at the level set by the Department for Transport, her application was declined.

“However, the council has the discretion to approve a Blue Badge for a person who does not automatically qualify. This is subject to a mobility assessment with an occupational therapist.

“We have offered Miss Pritchard an appointment with an occupational therapist.”

Have you been affected by blue badge changes? Add your thoughts below, email winsford@guardiangrp.co.uk or write to Guardian Series Newspapers, Theatre Court, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5HB.