DISABILITY groups have raised concerns about plans to bar Blue Badge holders from a York city centre square under new counter terrorism proposals by City of York Council.

The Economy and Place Policy Development Committee discussed the plans to restrict access to St Sampson’s Square during the current foot street hours of 10.30am to 5pm as part of a plan to prevent vehicles being used as weapons.

A report by parking services manager Graham Titchener said it was anticipated a minority of people would be disadvantaged by the ‘hostile vehicle mitigation measures,’ and disabled badge holders were likely to be most affected.

“Officers will consult with an array of stakeholders including disabled representative groups,” he said.

Committee chairman Ian Cuthbertson said bollards would prevent disabled motorists going any further down Church Street than the junction with Swinegate and Patrick Pool, where they would have to turn round.

He said representatives from organisations including York MS Society,York Blind and Partially Sighted Society and York Wheels were invited to attend and raised concerns about the inconvenience caused, particularly to disabled motorists who could only walk short distances.

They also said it would be important to create more on-street parking for Blue Badge holders elsewhere to compensate for lost places in the square. He said such concerns would be included in a report to executive next week, which would make the final decision.

Jackie Chapman, of the York and District MS Society, told The Press that people with the illness would be very badly affected. “I don’t know where they are going to park,” she said, adding that it would also affect people with other conditions, such as emphysema, such as her late husband, who used to park in the square with a badge.