Ceredigion council is trying to ensure that all eligible residents have their parking concessions to help make their lives a little bit more manageable.

The Blue Badge Scheme is a parking concession for people who are disabled, have severe walking difficulties or severe cognitive impairment.

It’s available to both drivers and passengers and it means that they’re able to park closer to their destination. It also means having that little bit of extra space around their vehicle when they park in a disabled parking bay – absolutely necessary if you’re wheelchair-bound and need to consider taking your chair out of the car and have space to transfer from the car to the chair.

People can also apply for a badge if they care for a child with a health condition that affects their mobility

Blue Badge administrator Sheila Herbert said: “When people apply for their Blue Badge, I check all their details and assess whether they’re eligible for the scheme or not.

“It makes me unhappy when I hear stories of Blue Badge holders being challenged or questioned on their entitlement. Everyone with one has a valid reason - not all disabilities are visible.

“At the council, we can offer support for people to fill in the application forms. Our ‘Porth y Gymuned’ group - four Community Connect groups that support individuals and their families to access advice and assistance. They can come out to your home to help with the forms. Both Age Cymru, Wales and West Housing are organisations that you can go to for help too with filling in the forms.

“You can avoid spending money on postage - applicants can visit the Council Offices to have their documents photocopied or to return completed forms.

“You can apply for a Blue Badge via the council’s website, or by phoning the customer services contact centre on 01545 570881.”