A CHARITY has called for shopping centre management to change its new car parking policy, with blue badge holders now having to pay to use it.

Evesham Riverside Shopmobility (ERS) says its members have been hit hard by the introduction of charges for Blue Badge holders at the beginning of the month at Riverside Shopping Centre.

Euro Car Parks has introduced a number plate recognition scheme on behalf of Capita, which manages the Riverside Shopping Centre, meaning that all users now have to pay an hourly fee.

ERS Trustees’ chairman, Liz Griffin, told him: “No-one consulted us about potential implications for our members, customers and other users with mobility issues.

“Many of our members are concerned they don’t have time to park, access a mobility scooter or wheelchair and buy their ticket.

“Others just can’t reach or operate the machine. We have members who used to come by taxi, but the taxi drivers now won’t risk a penalty.

“The new charges also mean our staff and volunteers now have to pay to work for us.”

Evesham Riverside Shopmobility has been sited on the top floor of the car park since 2000 and blue badge holders and Shopmobility members have enjoyed free parking since then.

Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston added after visiting to talk to members and customers: "It’s been a pleasure to visit Evesham Shopmobility and to see for myself the great work they do, so I am alarmed to hear about the impact of the recent changes to parking arrangements and will be expressing my concerns to the owners on behalf of all those affected.

"I was especially concerned to hear there was very little consultation before these changes were made and no consideration appears to have been given to the varied challenges the machines and their locations could present to people who use Shopmobility."

The charity provides wheelchairs, power chairs and mobility scooters for free daily use by members, who pay £25 a year. Visitors to the town and non-members pay £5 or £6 daily hire.

Deputy manager of ERS, Tracey Bradshaw said: “People value us because we help them maintain their independence to shop, bank or meet friends on their own.

“These changes have alarmed many by placing an extra burden on them, when their lives are difficult enough.

“If we had been asked we could have explained some of the issues that needed to be sorted out.”

A Capita spokesman, said: “We are aware of these concerns and are working with Euro Car Parks and Evesham Riverside Shopmobility to address them.”

Euro Car Parks were unavailable to be reached by the Journal.