A LEGAL challenge against restrictions which stopped disabled people parking on Colchester High Street has been blocked by a judge.

Last year Jade Hamnett of Fair Access 2 Colchester instructed Unity Law to commence statutory review proceedings against Essex County Council after Blue Badge holders were blocked from using spaces between 11am and 6pm.

Although the restrictions, part of the trial High Street car ban, were abandoned after a month, campaigners proceeded with the application amid fears they could return in the future.

At a hearing last month, the evidence of 24 disabled residents was submitted as part of a claim that their human rights were being breached because they could no longer shop in the town centre.

This morning, a judge at the Administrative Court in London found in Essex County Council’s favour, although he gave campaigners a right to appeal.

See Friday's Gazette for the full story.