York: Blue badge railway station parking change angers driver

Sue Pascoe said she is "angry and disappointed" about the issue

A motorist has said she has been left "angry" after disabled parking bays were moved at York's railway station.

The spaces have been moved further away from the entrance to enable improvement work.

Sue Pascoe, 63, from Catterton, Selby, said the extra walking distance leaves her "out of breath".

Station operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) said it was working to ensure convenient parking for blue badge holders.

"I broke my back, then had two hip replacements and a massive pulmonary embolism, which makes my breathing quite laboured if I move to far," Mrs Pasco said.

"Then I broke my pelvis, so my movements and my walking are quite restricted and I walk with a stick."

Major construction work is underway at the station

She explained she had been parking near the station's main entrance for years, however the disabled parking area is now used by taxis.

"That distance can make the difference between having a nice journey to get the train or a quite fraught one."

She said the difference was about 650ft to 980ft (200 to 300m).

"At first I couldn't find where to go and then I was disappointed because by the time I got onto the platform I was feeling out of breath.

"Then when I thought about it, I was feeling quite angry."

When Ms Pascoe complained she said she was told to park in the short stay car park, but she feared getting a fine for overstaying.

"I really struggle to walk that extra distance without getting distressed at the end and I don't think it's right."

The work at the station is part of plans to improve the area around the railway station improving access and creating new public spaces.

The work is due to be completed in 2025.

An LNER spokesperson said they understood the concerns Ms Pascoe had raised.

"We are working to ensure parking remains convenient for blue badge holders using the station during this time.

"The York Gateway project will transform the area and make arriving and using the station safer and simpler for everyone. "