THE remarks of Nicholas Holt (Letters, November 8), regarding disabled drivers, demonstrate the kind of attitude which prompted J Buckley to write in the first instance about "selfish, able-bodied drivers" parking in bays set aside for disabled drivers.

Who does Mr Holt think he is, to make such disparaging comments about disabled drivers? How does he know who is disabled and who is not? If he is able-bodied, he ought to think himself fortunate.

Disabled bays are for disabled people -- otherwise they wouldn't be designated as such. Where no such parking is available or convenient, then a disabled person may park for a period of time, on displaying the appropriate badge, where able-bodied drivers cannot and do not need to park precisely because they are able-bodied.

My eldest son is severely mentally handicapped and must have someone with him at all times. I have lost count of the number of times I have taken him to Asda only to find that all the disabled bays are taken up by drivers not displaying disabled badges.

I fail to see why my son and I should get wet through walking the full length of the car park while selfish people park where they are not supposed to.

If a person holds a legitimate disabled badge, it is no business of Mr Holt, or anyone else, as to whether that person is entitled to it.

As for the "bad back brigade," I find Mr Holt's remarks offensive. There are many people who suffer constant, debilitating pain through a "bad" back and many more who must be in wheelchairs through "bad backs."

May I suggest that before Mr Holt puts pen to paper again, he tries negotiating a car park full of cars, on two sticks, pushing a trolley, in the pouring rain, and stops to wish the able-bodied driver parked in a disabled bay, reading the daily paper 'good day'?

PETER WATSON, Grafton Villas, Bacup.