A North Lincolnshire school is taking steps to address misuse of accessible parking bays at its site, which are affecting an inclusive football club’s participants.
Baysgarth Sports Village, part of Baysgarth School site in Barton-upon-Humber, hosts three training sessions a week for Barton Inclusive Football Club. Founded in 2019, the club gives a space and opportunity for individuals with additional needs or long term mental health difficulties. It has over 300 members and 50 volunteers.
In recent months, club participants have experienced difficulties and verbal abuse accessing disabled bays at Baysgarth Sports Village, with other individuals misusing the bays. The club raised the issue with the school in May, when made aware of it.
Baysgarth School’s head and federation lead, Jade Driscoll, said the school is “deeply concerned” by the recent incidents. Actions it is taking include a reporting system, improved signage, and staff monitoring during peak periods.
“We work really hard to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone,” said Barton Inclusive Football Club’s founder, Sophie Bartup. “We’re really proud to play in Barton. However, we’ve been experiencing challenges at the site due to the misuse of disabled parking bays. For our players and some of our volunteers, being able to park close to the pitch is essential.”
(Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)
“What may not seem a big thing to some people, to us as a club and to our players, it’s really important that they feel they can park safely,” she said. “What we’re trying to do is raise awareness.
“We’re looking to help the whole community understand,” she said, of the importance of the accessible bays. She emphasised the club simply wants people to “play their part” in not misusing the bays.
Ms Driscoll said: “At Baysgarth Sports Village, we are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and respectful environment for all members of our community. We are deeply concerned by recent incidents involving non-blue badge holders misusing accessible parking bays on our site, and we are taking proactive steps to address this issue.”
The bays are not covered by a legal parking order, so are not enforceable, she said. However, the school believes strongly in supporting its disabled users and partner organisations. It is carrying out a number of measures:
- A QR-code linked reporting form will be displayed at key points across the site, allowing users to log misuse discreetly and securely. This will allow vehicle details and photographic evidence to be compiled, which will be shared with the Barton Community Policing Team.
- New signage is being installed to remind users of the bays’ purpose.
- The school’s on-site team is carrying out regular checks during peak periods.
- Community engagement: it has issued a public statement on social media, and supports Barton Inclusive Football Club’s awareness efforts. It is also contacting Barton Town Council, North Lincolnshire Council, and the local policing team to raise awareness of the broader issue across Barton.
- It recently increased the number of accessible parking bays on site.
“We will continue to take all steps within our power to protect the rights and dignity of our disabled users and ask that all visitors to the site show the same respect,” added Ms Driscoll. “We thank Barton Inclusive Football Club for raising these concerns and for the valuable role they play in promoting inclusivity through sport.”
The school encourages anyone who witnesses misuse of the accessible bays to report it through designated channels. “Together, we can ensure Baysgarth Sports Village remains a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported.”
Ms Bartup said the measures taken by the school have been welcomed by the club.