OFFENSIVE internet comments about blind people from a Gravesham Council candidate have been slammed as “shocking.”

Ray Parker, who is running as labour’s candidate for Northfleet north in May’s local elections, has written a string of controversial remarks on social networking site, Twitter.

Among his numerous tweets, the ex-mayor of Gravesham posted damning comments about Arriva buses, Mormons and his taste for alcohol, while also poking fun at the Pope.

But in what has been described as “totally inappropriate”, Mr Parker tweeted in August last year: “Is it fair to say that there’d be less litter in Britain if blind people were given pointed sticks?”

Kevin Alderton, 39, who was left blind after trying to stop a gang attacking a woman in 1998, told News Shopper he was offended by the post.

The father-of-five, of Heather Drive, Dartford said: “It’s totally inappropriate. What’s going to be next?

“It’s like saying there would be less head injuries if people wore turbans.

“For someone who wants to be a representative of their community, he ought to know better.

“It’s offensive and shocking”

The Kent Association for the Blind, which has an office in Gravesend, also labelled the post inappropriate.

Chief Executive Karen Osborn said: “In the Gravesend area we have many hundreds of service users who are blind or visually impaired, many of whom rely on a white cane for their independence and mobility.

“We take our service users’ needs seriously, and Mr Parker’s comments could be hurtful to some.”

Mr Parker also tweets frequently about his dissatisfaction with Arriva buses.

In one post, he called a driver a “tw*t" for arriving early, causing him to miss his bus.

Arriva publicity manager Richard Lewis told News Shopper Mr Parker should contact customer services instead of posting comments on the internet.

He added: “It would be far more useful than generalised tweeting in the somewhat surprising style which he has decided to adopt and which serves no useful purpose.”

Mr Parker used to be the council’s cabinet member for social inclusion and Kent County Council’s shadow cabinet member for highways.

As News Shopper went to press Mr Parker was not available for comment.

To read more of his tweets, visit twitter.com/rayparkeruk

What has Ray Parker been tweeting?

Is it fair to say that there’d be less litter in Britain if blind people were given pointed sticks? 10:11 PM Aug 25th via Power Twitter

Must be getting old! Resisted the temptation to wind up two Mormon's at the railway station. 5:04 PM May 14th via Power Twitter

Thanks to the driver of the #arriva 145 bus who is running early! Missed my connection you tw*t! 3:41 PM Aug 2nd, 2010 via Twitter for BlackBerry®

Would the LibDems please call in the guys who rescued the Chilean miners to get Nick Clegg out of David Cameron’s arse? 7:19 PM Oct 20th via web

Why isn't The Vatican City performing in #eurovison ? I hear the Pope does a cracking rendition of 'Danny Boy'.. 10:33 PM May 29th via Power Twitter

Some work colleagues are like slinkies, good for nothing but they bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs! 18 October 2010 20:05:56 via web

Bugger… forgotten a bottle of Gin for the Christmas Evening Martini's.. will never get comatose otherwise! #fb 21 December 2010 22:28:03 via web