Wait for library’s disabled spaces another fortnight

THE blocked-off disabled parking space at St Neots Library will be replaced by two new ones, Huntingdonshire District Council has promised. HDC installed a lockable bollard in the space to prevent unauthorised heavy lorries from damaging the paving. But t

THE blocked-off disabled parking space at St Neots Library will be replaced by two new ones, Huntingdonshire District Council has promised.

HDC installed a lockable bollard in the space to prevent unauthorised heavy lorries from damaging the paving.

But the council is still waiting for its contractor to load up with yellow paint needed for new spaces.

Hunts Post reader Jackie Roberts, who delivers books from the library to housebound readers, was disturbed to find the access blocked last week. "I find it incomprehensible, as the library is a well-used public service and the nearest car park is at least 50 yards away with no marked spaces for the disabled," she said.

"I deliver books as part of the doorstep service to readers unable to visit the library. This entails carrying bags of books for readers, each containing six to eight books or audio books.

"As funding is not available to offer a complete library service to housebound readers in this county, they are dependent on people like myself. Why are we denying the frail and elderly access to our local public library?" asked Mrs Roberts, who lives in Eaton Ford.

HDC has earmarked three spaces in the Priory Lane West car park to convert into two disabled parking bays. Paul Milward, the council's spokesman said: "We're waiting for our contractor and the work should be done within the next two weeks.

"We put the bollard up because of the damage to the paving caused by heavy vehicles parking. That, itself, was causing a hazard for disabled people.