IN LAST week’s edition Mr Nigel Robbins Mayor Elect of Cirencester is quoted as saying that the problem of Blue Badge holders and parking would be addressed.

Surely there is no-one who craves a blue badge? The bureaucratic indifference towards that section of the electorate is breath-taking in its arrogance.

The facility is awarded after scrutiny and a doctor’s sanction. It is awarded because of lack of mobility. The applicant may or may not have third party assistance, he/she may or may not have a wheelchair. Usually the criteria for mobility is twelve steps unaided. Additionally, the patient has a balancing problem and cannot carry even the smallest bag. The wonderful gift of independence for the disabled is now shattered in Cirencester. Crumbled in the detritus of local government decision making.

I have been unable to drive through the town since last November. My ability to conduct my own affairs has been thwarted by the Cricklade Street fiasco.

It has obviously escaped the notice of the elected representatives of Cirencester that the motor car is here to stay. That when the driver alights from the vehicle he/she is a pedestrian. That those visitors, transient or otherwise sustain the commercial heart of the town, which must be reeling in utter disbelief currently.

I was born in this area and went to school in Cirencester. Of course society evolves otherwise your most recent contributor to letters would be wearing a loin cloth and carrying a truncheon. It doesn’t mean all change is good however.

JEAN HIGGS 
Cirencester