A shopping centre has dropped plans to charge disabled people to park following complaints by users.

The Whitefriars retail centre in Canterbury had wanted to remove the concession for the Shopmobility scheme and introduce a £5 fee for three hours parking.

But the decision has been reversed following an intervention by the city council and MP Julian Brazier.

He said: "It is ridiculous to expect disabled users of Shopmobility to be dropped off like left luggage and then wait around to be picked up again while their families have gone off to find the car and struggled back into the car park again.

"I raised it again with Whitefriars management following a fresh appeal by a constituent, and I am delighted that Canterbury City Council has responded to constituents’ concerns."

The council’s strategic director, David Reed, said: "When we heard of the difficulties experienced by Shopmobility customers, we were keen to see the charges removed.

"We discussed the matter with Whitefriars management and consulted on removing them as soon as we could."

"I’m very pleased to confirm that from April 1, Shopmobility users will be able to park in the Whitefriars car park without having to worry about parking charges. This is a fair outcome, and I’m happy that the council has been able to secure such a positive move."