A WHARFEDALE councillor has welcomed an extension of the Blue Badge scheme.

The Department of Transport (DfT) has expanded the disabled parking permit to now include people who have non-visible disabilities which mean they suffer ‘very considerable distress’, or are at serious risk of harm, while walking.

Councillor Caroline Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) said: “I really welcome this change in eligibility. I know of a number of instances where disabled people have been abused for parking legitimately in disabled spaces where their disability is not visible.

“Hopefully, as awareness grows of the new criteria this unacceptable situation will cease.

“The award of the Blue Badge will continue to be done by Leeds City Council and it is estimated the council will receive about £23,000 of the funding the DfT have put into this.”