Dame Judi Dench backs campaign to reverse blue badge ban in York
The James Bond actor, who grew up in York, has offered her "wholehearted support"
Dame Judi Dench has backed calls to reverse a ban on blue badge parking in parts York City Centre.
The ban was introduced in pedestrianised parts of the city in November 2021, due to new counter-terror measures.
But campaigners and disabled groups said that reduced access and left them feeling like "second class citizens".
Now, the James Bond star and Oscar winner has backed calls to reverse it.
Dame Judi, 88, 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.”
A council report previously said that officers "recognise the impact that some blue badge holders will be excluded from the foot streets by the recommendations."
It adds that "having considered that impact it has not been possible to find a way to deliver the safety benefits of the counter terrorism measures without causing the impact to parts of the disabled community."
The council has already implemented some mitigation measures and is planning more, including additional blue badge parking outside the foot streets, more dropped kerbs and the creation of an access officer role on the council.