David Foster, Chair of Rugby Disability Forum, said his research indicated only 2.8 per cent of current town centre parking spaces were allocated to disabled users - well-below council-set guidelines of 3.5 per cent.

Council officers say there is adequate provision for disabled parkers - despite current space pressures due to the ongoing Chapel Street development.

However, Mr. Foster said the situation was a 'disaster' for the estimated 10,000 disabled people in Rugby - and called for help.

He said: "It's disgusting the way we are being treated. It's in the public interest to have parking spaces for disabled users. We are part of the community and need help."

Mr. Foster's arguments were reinforced by Susan Lees, of Lawford Road.

Mrs. Lees, 53, who suffers from severe arthritis in her legs, said she believed there was now just a handful of town centre spaces for disabled people.

She said: "I would give anything to be able-bodied but I feel like I'm being punished for this. They have alienated Rugby Town Centre for disabled people - it's very frustrating.

"I will have to go out of town for my Christmas shopping because there is just nowhere to park."

David Burrows, Regulatory Services Manager with Rugby Borough Council, said the present parking situation was 'not ideal'.

He said the council was working to government guidelines about the number of parking spaces allocated to disabled people.

He said: "It's always going to be a balancing act meeting parking and transport needs. We would get complaints from able-bodied people if there were too many spaces given.

"But we are always happy to enter dialogue when it comes to policy decisions."

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