Bath MP Don Foster has reacted with complete disgust at the discrimination shown by Tory Cabinet Member Charles Gerrish in deciding not to implement Blue Badge Parking charges – in Keynsham alone.

Don said, “Months ago Liberal Democrats heavily criticized the Tory’s poor parking policy, and we called in the decision. The Cabinet Member finally agreed to look at the issue of evening parking charges in Bath, but weeks and weeks on he has still not made his mind up.

“Suddenly residents in Keynsham are unhappy with a policy, and he leaps to change it, but why only in his town? Why are the residents of Bath being treated as second class citizens by this Council? The Conservative Cabinet Member is a Keynsham Councillor. This is a blatant example of discrimination within the authority.

“Cllr Gerrish says there is not sufficient off-street parking in Keynsham – does he really think that there is in Bath? The decision just to remove the increased Blue Badge charges from Keynsham is a slap in the face to the people of Bath.

“I will be writing to Cllr Gerrish to question this decision.”

Cllr Andy Furse (Kingsmead, Lib Dem) commented, “This is yet another example of the Tories putting Bath residents second. While residents of Keynsham make savings, Bath residents will be expected to put proportionally more into Council coffers. When will this attitude towards the people of Bath change?”