A DISABLED driver fears she could be marooned in her home after her town centre parking spot has been deemed ‘illegal’.

Irene Jamieson said she has been parking on Service Road One between the old public toilets and the market for more than 10 years.

The retired businesswoman was incensed to discover a penalty charge notice on her windscreen.

Blue badge holder Irene, of Bakers Lane, said: “I have to park as close as I can to the shops because I can’t walk that far.

“There are no signs saying you can’t park there or any lines on the road. I’ve been parking there once or twice a week along with lots of other drivers for more than 10 years.

“There must be space for more than 12 cars.”

Irene has osteo arthritis in both knees and uses two walking sticks or a trolley with wheels to get around.

“When I came back and found the parking penalty I was rather annoyed,” she said.”I think it is unfair. I wasn’t causing an obstruction.

“I like to go into B&M, Wilko and the Poundshop for my toiletries because they are cheaper.”

She immediately went into the council offices and was told she could contest the penalty.

Irene, who struggles to walk from her home to her car, lodged an appeal but has just been told it was rejected and she now has 28 days to pay the £70 fine.

“I feel as if my independence has gone,” said Irene. “In the letter they said they don’t have to put a no parking sign up. How are we to know? Are we supposed to be telepathic?

“What’s the point of having a blue badge if you can’t park?

“This is stressing me out, I’m fed up with it. I can’t afford £70, that’s half my pension.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council said they are unable to comment on individual cases.

The council says the area in question does have a traffic regulation order in place and extra enhancements have now been introduced to make it clearer for motorists.

Councillor Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment said on Wednesday: “This area has a Traffic Regulation Order in place and there have been some enhancements to the area to make it as obvious as possible to people to try and prevent mistakes being made. 

"This Penalty Charge Notice was correctly issued but, on this occasion, we will cancel the PCN and issue a warning and advisory letter instead. 

"The area now has limited waiting bays in place where Blue Badge holders can park all day with their badge on display ”