Parking in a Cumbrian town is becoming an issue for those who need access with pushchairs and wheelchairs.

One wheelchair user has expressed her anger at the continued problem of parking on pavements in Aspatria.

The problem is becoming an even bigger issue on days when there are football and rugby games on in the town’s park because cars are parking in a way which is making it difficult for wheelchair and pushchair users to get past.

Born with cerebral palsy, Sam Wilson spent her childhood in a wheelchair.

She said: “For myself as an active wheelchair user my independence is very important and I never allow anything to stop me from doing what I want or need to do.

“But when the cars are blocking the pavement this means I have to first try and find a dropped kerb - cars are sometimes parked over these too meaning I can’t use them - and then I have to go onto the road to pass the cars.

“This may not seem like a big issue but my chair is so low down I know that drivers cannot see me easily and this is worrying when the whole road is full of cars.”

A county council spokesperson has urged drivers to park responsibly around the town.

“We’d urge people to park considerately and respectfully, and to familiarise themselves with local signage,” the spokesperson added.

“Parents with buggies and wheelchair users need to use the pavements without obstruction, and there’s a danger that poor parking can create a blind spot or obstruct other drivers’ line of sight, especially near junctions.

“Any vehicles which are parked over a dropped kerb near a junction or a zig zag crossing outside schools will receive an instant ticket.

“By highlighting these issues and asking motorists to be more considerate, we hope the need for further enforcement can be avoided.”

Sam who competes in basketball on a national stage is angered that she has to take someone with her to the local basketball court because of bad parking.

She said: “It makes it dangerous just to leave my house and go to the basketball court.

“This upsets me as I then have to take someone with me so they can stand taller and cars can see them more easily.

“I don’t think at the age of 20 I should have to rely on my parents taking me a few feet down the road for my own safety.

“The business of cars is not the problem, the problem we have is when they park across the pavement leaving only enough room for someone to walk past.

“I believe lack of knowledge and understanding that is the problem and the sooner people start to think about others, the sooner we won’t have problems like this.”