A MOVE to give disabled drivers free parking in all council car parks has been blocked.

Tory councillor Dorothy Gunther called for holders of orange badges to be allowed to park in spaces other than designated bays.

She said that Bury's neighbours such as Manchester, Oldham, Bolton and Rochdale had completely free car parking for all disabled people, and wanted Bury to fall into line.

But Labour councillor Steve Perkins, chairman of highways and traffic management, said the council's policy was supported by local disabled advisory group Baddac.

"With one in ten households including an orange badge holder, the implications of free and non-specific car parking would be significant," he told members at the meeting.

"I believe the council's policy strikes the right balance in the best interests of both badge holders and other drivers."

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