York’s most famous acting export Dame Judi Dench has backed campaigners calling for the city to reverse its policy on disabled access to the city centre.
City of York Council removed the exemption that had allowed Blue Badge holders access to drive on the footstreets. They said they had done this to keep the city safe against terrorism threats.
But the policy has caused outrage, as many disabled residents said it meant the were effectively barred from visiting the city centre.
The Reverse The Ban campaign has collected thousands of signatures on a petition – and now has won the support of Dame Judi.
In a message, the Oscar winning Bond star has come out in favour of reversing the Blue Badge ban.
She said: “York city centre is a rare jewel that should be free for all to enjoy, including those with a disability and for whom accessible parking is essential.
“As someone living with sight loss, I know only too well how gaining access to places can be exceptionally difficult.
“York city centre should be fully accessible through these types of schemes.
“I should like to offer my wholehearted support to people in the city of York who are asking the local council to reconsider any ban to the blue badge scheme in the city centre.”
Dame Judi is also Patron of The Wilberforce Trust – the York organisation that has been supporting people with visual and hearing impairments since 1833.
The Wilberforce Trust is one of the 27 disability- and age-related and allied organisations that have come together in the Reverse the Ban coalition to fight what they see as a “discriminatory” ban that was made permanent in November 2021.
Shakespeare support
Dame Judi joins a growing list of well-known figures that want to see the blue badge ban reversed.
Professor Tom Shakespeare, disability activist, academic, and regular presenter on BBC Radio 4 including Point of View, said on a recent visit to York that “disabled people are a part of society – the time to end the discrimination that prevents us playing a full part in the life of the city is long overdue”.
York paralympian and University of York graduate Beth Moulam, who is reliant on a wheelchair accessible van and essential communication technology that needs to be kept dry, said: “Having a blue badge is not a perk or a luxury in life for me. And in the case of my gran, she can only walk short distances on even surfaces with a walking frame. Sadly, York’s policy has made our home city a no go area for us both.”
We have contacted City of York Council for a response.
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