I CAN only assume that Councillor Howard Martin never shops in Kiddermin-ster and tries to find a place to park his car! (Giving new life to empty shops, (Shuttle Times & News, April 24)

The main reason for empty shops is poor parking facilities, which means no customers and, therefore, empty shops.

To make matters worse, Worcestershire County Council are refusing to renew concessionary parking badges to many disabled people.

My husband, who is registered disabled, has recently been refused a renewal badge, in spite of his doctor's certification and the fact he has held a badge for 12 years.

His medical condition has also deteriorated over that time .

In short, unless he travels to another district where parking nearer to the shops can be found, he has lost his independence of being able to shop at all.

I suggest that the money would be better spent on more parking provision than trying to encourage small businesses into Kiddermin-ster's empty shops

JOYCE CARTER

Arley Close

Kidderminster