A fed-up councillor says he has been forced to confront shoppers who are parking in disabled parking spaces because they are too lazy to walk a few extra yards.

Cllr Jim Wedgbury (Con, Park Farm) said he routinely finds drivers parking right outside the Tesco store entrance in Park Farm, forcing disabled customers further away from the door.

Mr Wedgbury, whose mother suffers from Parkinson’s, said he has resorted to leaving angry notes on people’s cars.

He said: “People with disabilities might not always use a wheelchair, but might still desperately need the spaces.

“Sometimes the last thing you want is to have to walk from the other end of the car park because of these selfish people.

“I think they are arrogant and show no regard for other people in society.

“I’ve put notes on people’s cars and I’ve told people off because of their complete disregard.

“I think it’s a particular problem at Tesco, and there seem to be some serial offenders. If you’re a fit and healthy person you can walk the extra few yards, what is 30 seconds?”

Blue Badge holders David and Pam Durant are also concerned by the number of cars blocking the disabled bays.

Pam, 41, suffers from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis which forced her to leave her job as a carer two years ago, and often means she is wheelchair bound.

Meanwhile former factory worker David, 48, suffered a stroke in 2012 and is awaiting a heart operation.

David said: “It always seems to be the big off-road and high end vehicles and van drivers.

“The furthest disabled spaces are quite a walk from the store entrance. Because of my health I find it quite a struggle pushing Pam around.

“It’s all because these people don’t want to walk an extra five yards. When I haven’t got Pam with me I don’t mind parking further away, it doesn’t bother me.

“They are lucky they have got their health. They don’t need to park there and should leave it free for people that need it.”

Pam said: “When we talked to Tesco they said one of the biggest complaints they get is because people are abusing the spaces.

“It doesn’t seem to be a problem at other supermarkets in Ashford, where there are always people displaying blue badges. But it’s definitely the worst at Tesco, I think it shows a lack of respect.”

When the Express investigated we found several cars without any Blue Badges parking up outside the store, including one white van which had parked right next to the disabled parking sign.