WE must address some of the problems in Rhyl town centre.
Besides the obvious issues - corpulent seagulls and ignorant dog owners - the amount of people with Blue Badges and mobility scooters is surely a matter for discussion.
Today (Wednesday) I counted 23 vehicles parked on Wellington Road - between the betting shop and florist - and the bottom of Rhyl High Street, all with said badges.
On walking between the Visitor office and clock tower I was passed by four scooters. So that's a minimum of 27 disabled people in a small area of the High Street.
Looking around the shops and cafes I couldn't see anyone in a wheelchair, or with a guide dog or walking stick, so what's the deal here?
I spotted a few elderly shoppers, but if you can traipse around town all day then you can stroll from a nearby side-street or car park.
Denbighshire County Council says you can apply for a Blue Badge if you:
l Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
l Receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
l Are registered blind.
l Have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand.
l Have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking.
l Are aged 80 years or older.
I'm sorry but I don't buy it. Every day, dozens and dozens of cars and scooters are parking up on Rhyl High Street and taking the proverbial. It's out of order.
And having spoken to people with real disabilities, I know it annoys them too. They are given a bad name because others take liberties with the politically-correct climate of modern Britain.
"You can't be bothered getting off your backside, ok here's a Blue Badge mate, use it when you go shopping."
If you're reading this and you have a disability, then you know this is not aimed at you.
It's aimed at the many who take advantage of the system. They are the real problem.

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