A JUDGE has heard a legal challenge intended to prevent Essex County Council ever restoring a ban on disabled people parking on Colchester’s High Street.

Evidence from 24 disabled people who claim the removal of Blue Badge holder spaces discriminated against them was heard as part of a statutory review at the Administrative Court.

The legal move was launched by Fair Access 2 Colchester last March days after Essex County Council introduced the restriction, part of a controversial High Street car ban.

Although the trial was shelved a month later, campaigners fear it could return if the statutory review is unsuccessful.

Lead claimant Jade Hamnett instructed Unity Law to pursue the case, which was heard at the court on Wednesday.

Witness statements revealed many Blue Badge holders said they would not be able to reach much of the town centre if the parking spaces were removed.

However the judge decided the legal issues were too complex to make an immediate ruling, and reserved judgement until next month.