Councillors have welcomed news that a new consultation on disabled parking bays in Caerphilly town has been agreed.
The decision to remove four dedicated disabled bays in the town centre followed a consultation which according to some councillors, should have been described more clearly.
Cllr James Pritchard, who represents the Morgan Jones ward, said: “I’m happy that the public and political pressure has paid off and a re-consultation proposing to create four additional dedicated disabled bays in Caerphilly town will be given consideration.
“I’ve been in opposition to the reduction of dedicated disabled bays and called for a re-consultation. I’ve arranged meetings and raised this matter in Caerphilly Town Council and I want everyone, not just elected county councillors, to be able to debate and submit their views on the proposals.”
St James ward councillor Barbara Jones added: “I agree with Cllr Pritchard. This is an extremely important issue for people in Caerphilly. It’s good that a re-consultation has now been agreed and its important interested parties take part.”
Cllr. Pritchard has fought hard for this new consultation and in these times of murky meetings and secret agreements (see the previous article on the illegal payments to senior council officer) it is refreshing to see a councillor dedicated to involving as many people as possible in the democratic process.
The parking arrangements, including the removal of some disabled parking, were changed without consulting residents or the disabled access group. Documentation that was issued made no clear indication of what was proposed and I, as elected member for the area concerned also received no information. Apparently the council officers did not send the necessary E-mail to the Town Clerk.
I have no fixed views on the changes in parking provision but I do have very firm views that the public and their representatives need to know about any proposed changes so that they may properly be discussed and possible flaws identified. This is democracy and, despite its imperfections, is still the best way for society to proceed.