A disability group that is fighting the council against parking charges for blue badge holders is looking for new members.

The Epsom and Ewell Access Group is inviting disabled people from the community to join them so they can have a voice in all disability issues, including the blue badge parking charges.

Geoff Jelly, chairman of group, said: “I would like to invite more disabled residents to join our group so we can become a user-led organisation. That way the council will have to hear from disabled people themselves what their needs are.”

In February, councillors voted in favour of scrapping free parking for blue badge holders, in a series of swingeing budget cuts, despite opposition from disabled residents and groups, councillors and the MP for Epsom and Ewell, Chris Grayling.

The Epsom Guardian has been appealing for councillors to change their minds and reverse their decision.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jonathan Lees, who has been collecting signatures for a petition against the charges, said the residents’ opposition to the decision showed how “out of touch” Residents’ Association councillors were with the people of Epsom and Ewell.

He said: “If they were listening to the views of the residents then they would publicly say this decision will be reconsidered in relation to all budget suggestions after a proper consultation.”

To sign an online petition against the charges, go to ipetitions.com/petition/bluebadge.

The next meeting of the Access Group with council officers will be held at the Town Hall Council Chamber on March 25 at 10.30am.

To enable council staff to make arrangements for disabled residents to attend as members, email Mr Jelly at geoffjelly@hotmail.com.