THERE are plenty of reasons local authorities have trotted out in recent years to raise or introduce parking fees.

But claiming that not charging Blue Badge holders to park in Halstead could amount to discrimination is a new one for us here at the Gazette.

That is one of the reasons put forward by Halstead Town Council to charged disabled people to park at Butler Road and the Sainsbury’s car parks from April.

Councillors have insisted this is not purely a money-making move, although given the pressures all councils are facing, such a change would be perfectly understandable, if not exactly welcome.

As Blue Badge holders are keen to point out the fees themselves, starting at a minimal 60p an hour, are hardly going to break the bank.

But with Halstead competing with the likes of Sudbury and Braintree Freeport and the free parking on offer at both, traders could suffer.

That said, we believe the charm and appeal offered by Halstead town centre should convince most motorists to stick with us.