Sir,

I would like to support Anthony Owen's letter, (Beacon 19th March) in which he expresses his dismay at proposals to charge Blue Badge holders for use of certain car parks.

There must be many groups in Monmouth who are dismayed. Many have worked hard to promote the 1970 Sick and Disabled Act, and since then the 1995 Disability/ Discrimination Act.

These Acts are not made lightly and can take years to come into operation. Successive Governments have supported them. As a recent chairperson of the Older Peoples Strategy, supported by Monmouthshire County Council and launched by the Welsh Govt in 2003, and currently Chair of Action 50 +Monmouth, I am seriously concerned about these people who profess to make life easier for disadvantaged, disabled, infirm and aged.

What sort of society have we become? Our standards are plummeting. The dropped kerbs, tactile surfaces, handrails, shop mobility, safe access for older people have certainly helped us all, whatever age. Age friendly communities help equality.

We are now leading up to elections and the populace will be enabled to elect some decent representatives who may have compassion, and understanding of what the various Acts and more importantly the spirit of what was intended.

Hopefully, any county councillors that promote charging for space where disadvantaged can be helped will live to regret.

S G Gilbert

(Monmouth)