Sir, I grew up in the Wye Valley, where my ancestors have lived for many generations, and spent seven years at HMSG. I have long thought Monmouth to be the best place in the world and had hoped to return to live there one day. However, I now suffer from MS and with the plan to charge for disabled parking it seems I must think again. The Blue Badge Scheme is supposed to enable the disabled ease of access to places they need/ want to visit. We do not have the choice of the able bodied to walk longer distances or make other arrangements. As such the charge is not only iniquitous but a form of discrimination and I am surprised that it is even legal. I believe the councillors' decision to be influenced by the current thinking – much promoted by the media – that anyone receiving any kind of benefit is inevitably a cheat. In fact the free parking I receive with my blue badge has enabled me to continue working, and thus independent, far longer than would otherwise have been possible. Councillor Williams comments that disability does not signify financial disadvantage, which shows how little he knows about the situation. When you are disabled you have to pay someone else to do all the minor tasks that you are no longer  able to do yourself.  Think changing light bulbs and putting out the bins. It seems I shall have to remain safely in Gloucestershire, which is a shame.  And shame on the council for their treatment of those less fortunate than themselves. Sally Brown (Tetbury, Gloucestershire)