DISABLED parking is set to return in Witney’s High Street following a change of heart from county council leaders.

Earlier this year, the county council imposed a ban on loading and waiting along one side of the high street which affected blue badge holders.

Previously the road had double yellow lines running along it, which disabled drivers could park on.

But the ban, introduced to help buses get through more easily, stopped disabled drivers from parking and their complaints have prompted a rethink from county council leaders.

Now they are proposing introducing three-hour parking for disabled drivers on the east side of High Street near Boots, and on the west side at Market Square.

A public consultation runs until December 14 and cabinet member for transport Rodney Rose said: “We had to have a re-think on this because people complained.

“People living in the hinterland of Witney who are disabled rely on their cars and need some disabled parking in the town centre.”

The change could be introduced early next year.

At the same time, highways bosses are hoping to free up space in Witney by shortening the stay for motorists in some car parks.

All 853 spaces at the Woolgate car park are being made short stay, meaning motorists can park for a maximum of three hours.