Park users have accused the council of having a “total disregard for disabled people” after special parking bays were replaced with bicycle racks.

Enfield Borough Council removed the spaces for blue badge holders near the cafe at Forty Hall, in Enfield, three months ago – but people have only just discovered they are not set to be replaced.

Patricia Whitmarsh, who was diagnosed with ME 30 years ago, is a regular user of the park but says she now finds herself unable to visit it.

The 71-year-old said: “The park is my lifeline. I’m usually plagued with debilitating fatigue and exhaustion and am only able to leave my house twice a week.

“I love being out in the open air because I find the nature to be uplifting. When I’m overtired it helps me unwind.

“However, not being able to park close to the cafe will be a huge strain on me. It’s outrageous and makes me very angry.”

Mrs Whitmarsh, who also has arthritis as well as a host of other medical issues and is unable to walk long distances and relies on two walking sticks.

She has spoken to other disabled park users who agree that without being able to park close to its cafe, they will stop visiting it.

She added: “It’s a total disregard for disabled people. I’ve got nothing against cyclists, but they are the most able bodied so why are they prioritising bike racks over disabled spaces?

“The other thing is that they are an eyesore in such a beautiful park.

“It’s a total disregard for disabled people. It’s going to have a major impact on our lives and I feel a bit discriminated against.”

To access the area, disabled people will have to park at the entrance and hire one of Forty Hall’s three scooters.

Hire will be limited to two hours and users will need both a credit card and a mobile phone – something Mrs Whitmarsh says is “not viable”.

A statement from Enfield Disability Action said: “We are concerned that the disabled parking bays have been removed and that by doing this disabled people’s access to these facilities has become limited.

“We contacted Forty Hall last week for confirmation regarding the work and for comments and are currently waiting for a response.

“EDA takes reports of inaccessible venues very seriously and campaigns to support disabled peoples inclusion in all areas of the community.

“The removal of disabled bays without providing an equitable viable alternative is not acceptable, in this case it limits disabled peoples ability to use and access the resources and facilities at Forty Hall.”

An Enfield Borough Council spokesman said: "As part of the Heritage Lottery Fund project to renovate Forty Hall Park, Enfield Council has increased the number of disabled bays at the car park  near the entrance to the estate and is providing mobility scooters to disabled visitors  who require them as part of a wider plan to improve access for all residents while reducing vehicle movements around the mansion.

"We are very happy to look again at disabled parking provision at the hall.”