I READ with disbelief the letter (July 16) from Tracey Greatrex, director of community support services at Essex Cares, telling us what a good job her organisation was doing issuing blue badges.

I applied for my badge renewal on May 28 and attended an assessment interview on June 25.

My blue badge expired on July 16 and I have heard nothing from Essex Cares, and my phone calls and e-mails have not been answered.

As my walking is restricted and I need to carry a supply of oxygen, I rely on parking as close as possible to my destination, be it the doctor’s surgery, the hospital, or even the supermarket.

Trying to maintain a level of independence is difficult enough without the problem of an expired blue badge and no information as to when the replacement will be available.

STEPHEN ROW

Elwin Road

Tiptree