A CAMPAIGNER for disabled people's rights is calling for more disabled parking spaces throughout Inverclyde.

Councillor Jim MacLeod has been demanding more spaces for many years and says additional off-street parking is also needed.

He spoke to the Telegraph in the light of new figures which reveal that there are now almost 5,000 blue badge holders in Inverclyde.

Councillor MacLeod said: "The fact that the number of blue badge holders has reached 4,914 people does not surprise me.

"Especially when you consider there are strong links between poverty, ill-health and disability.

"Many people don't always see who has health problems or disability.

""They are not always visible.

"The UK Census of 2011 revealed that 1.9 per cent of the population were wheelchair users yet about 20 per cent of the population are disabled."

Cllr MacLeod thinks many more accessible parking spaces are needed in Inverclyde.

Statistics obtained under Freedom of Information laws show that there are just 77 disabled spaces compared with 1,349 regular spaces in council-owned car parks.

Mr MacLeod said: "I have raised the matter about the amount of disabled parking spaces over the years.

"You only need to look at these figures.

"The number of disabled parking spaces in council-owned car parks is about five per cent of the total spaces.

"These figures just jump out - there are almost 5,000 blue badge holders, so how can the number of disabled spaces be adequate?

"I think roads officers should consider having a mapping exercise to find out where these spaces are, and as well as this look at on-street parking too.

"There is a need for more on-street parking throughout Inverclyde."

The new stats show that almost 1,500 people have applied for special parking permits since August 2019, with the vast majority approved.

Some of the 39 cases refused were due to incomplete applications and Cllr MacLeod says this might show that some people need help with filling out forms.

He said: "I would urge any applicants who might struggle to fill in a Blue Badge form to contact the Centre for Independent living if they need any help.

"They are very helpful."