A CAMPAIGN aiming to tackle abuse of disabled parking bays has won the support of shadow minister Debbie Abrahams.

The Star reported when St Helens North MP Conor McGinn launched the effort to put the issue under the spotlight after meeting with affected blue badge holders Kelly Hayes and Lisa Brennan at Parr Swimming and Fitness Centre.

The campaign has also won the support of Rainford triple-amputee and Afghanistan war veteran Andy Reid.

Mr McGinn said the problem was worse in off-street car parks – such as council or supermarket car parks – which are often not covered by road traffic rules.

And the MP invited Labour’s shadow minister for disabled people Debbie Abrahams to the town to discuss the problem.

“It was great that Debbie Abrahams could come to St Helens to see the problem at first hand," said Conor.

“As shadow minister for the disabled, she has a key role in helping drawing up Labour’s policies so her involvement in my campaign is invaluable.

“We will be working together to try to find solutions to this problem and help make the lives of disabled people in St Helen’s a little easier.

“We must not allow the selfish actions of a small minority of motorists make life needlessly hard for disabled drivers when they visit shops and other venues.”

Debbie Abrahams said that the campaign could be rolled out nationwide, if it proved a success in St Helens.

She said: “It’s really important that we highlight not just the inconvenience and upset that inconsiderate use of parking spaces allocated for disabled people can cause, but the real difficulties as well.

“Life is tough enough for anyone with a disability and the convenience of being able to park easily near to shops and other public buildings is just one simple way we, as a society, can help ease the difficulties they may face.

“I’m sure the issue isn’t just happening in St Helens but it will be interesting to see if a campaign here can have an effect and, if it does, we may be able to roll it out across the UK."

She added: “Most people are considerate, of course, and don’t use these spaces. But we need to do something to get the message across to the minority who don’t act considerately that it’s an unacceptable and anti-social thing to do.

“Conor and the residents who are tackling this problem should be congratulated for bringing it to light and doing something about it."