A SELF-confessed "wheelchair warrior" has set up a campaign to discourage able-bodied drivers from parking in disabled spaces.

Ian Williams, aged 33, from Pontypool, has multiple sclerosis and is so fed up with being unable to find a vacant disabled parking space at supermarkets, he has established a group called Space Invaders Torfaen to tackle the problem head-on.

His efforts have now received the backing of Torfaen Council.

Ian explained: "The spaces are there for a reason. As a wheelchair user, that extra width is crucial to me. It's just a nightmare trying to park in a standard size space, there's just not enough room for me to get in and out.

"You have to think about the wheelchair as well as taking care not to scratch the car parked next to you."

The idea for the campaign was sparked by his own parking problems in the run-up to Christmas.

"The current system relies on goodwill," he said. "It can be a free for all. It would be so much easier if parking was fair and everyone could park in a space that suited their needs."

Neil Thomas, aged 38, also attends the weekly MS drop-in meeting in New Inn, where the idea for the disabled parking awareness campaign first originated.

"We're just trying to get people to show some respect to disabled drivers," he said. "It's bad enough finding yourself in a position where you need to use a disabled parking space, but when you can't even park when you get there, it's extremely frustrating."

Cllr Rose Seabourne, executive member for social care, health and well being, said the council is pleased to support Space Invaders Torfaen.

"Over the past few years we have come a long way in tackling the inequalities experienced by people with disabilities and there is now legislation in place to ensure that public places and services are accessible to everyone," she said.

"Unfortunately, despite these considerable advances, many wheelchair users and other Blue Badge holders are still having difficulties with everyday activities like shopping because they cannot find a vacant disabled parking space. I'm just asking able-bodied people to walk those few extra yards and make life easier for someone who does not have that choice."

Ian is keen to hear of other people's experiences of disabled parking. If you would like to contact him telephone 01495 757791.