PARKING charges for disabled people have been scrapped at Blackburn's new super hospital after complaints about its "disastrous" facilities.

Patients said they had been unable to find a dedicated disabled space which entitles them to free parking and have had to pay at least £1.50 to park in normal bays.

Hospital bosses have now waived the charges for people with a disabled sticker until a review of spaces is completed.

But a leading disabled rights campaigner said many people would still find it impossible to use normal spaces because there is not enough space for them to get in and out of their cars.

The number of disabled spaces at the hospital was almost halved after a bungle by contractors.

A total of 32 bays had been designated disabled by mistake and were then painted over to make them mother and baby spaces.

That left just 38 spaces out of about 500 patient spaces for disabled people.

Stephen Brookfield, director of finance, information and planning at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The current position is that there are no charges for disabled car parking at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

"Where disabled badge holders are unable to find a disabled car parking space, then they are able to park in non-disabled bays at no charge."

He said the Trust and a private consortium which built the hospital, Catalyst HealthCare, would "share the cost of any lost revenue."

Mr Brookfield added "The Trust and Catalyst are currently carrying out a review of car parking provision for disabled people to ensure that their requirements are being met."

Bob Simpson, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Disabled Access Group, said: "The parking situation at the hospital has been traumatic for many disabled and infirm people trying to use the car parks. It has proved to be a disaster.

"However, it is pleasing to know that the hospital have promised this during this interim period."

Mr Simpson said the car park is to the right of the hospital entrance on a raised elevation - and many people with disabilities find this impossible to get to and from. And he said: "People who are in wheelchairs, or use crutches, will not be able to get out of their cars in an ordinary bay."

Patient Douglas Taylor, of Waddow Green, Clitheroe had previously been told by staff to wait until a disabled space was free if he did not want to pay.

Mr Taylor, who is registered disabled and has a heart condition, said: "It is definitely progress, it is a good thing because there are inadequate spaces for the disabled."