A 78-year-old Blue Badge holder has expressed frustration after being denied a disabled parking bay outside his Northumberland home.
Malcolm Ridley, who suffered a stroke two years ago that has left him struggling to walk, says Northumberland County Council has repeatedly rejected his requests for a designated disabled space near his Seaton Delaval property.
The pensioner, who lives on Hallington Drive, relies on his son to drive him to various destinations due to his limited mobility.
Despite having three parking bays installed outside his home, Ridley claims his son is frequently unable to secure a spot close to the house.
A 78-year-old Blue Badge holder has expressed frustration after being denied a disabled parking bay
GETTY
Ridley explained that while other properties on the street have parking spaces in their gardens to ease congestion, his corner property couldn't accommodate this arrangement.
"We have three parking spaces at our door and everyone else has their own parking place in their gardens. We can't get one in our garden because it comes over a drain," he said.
This situation often leaves his son, who he lives with, unable to park near the house.
As a result, Ridley is forced to walk further to reach the car, which is particularly challenging given his condition.
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His son not only drives him but also handles household tasks including cleaning.
Ridley has lived at his Hallington Drive property for approximately 56 years.
"I had two strokes and I can't do anything here. I can walk so far, but that's about it," he explained.
He has repeatedly approached the council requesting a designated disabled bay in one of the spots near his home.
"The council just keeps knocking me back all the time and I have been told by policemen that you can get a parking space but they won't," Ridley said.
He believes a dedicated space would make a significant difference to his daily life.
"It would be absolutely brilliant if they installed a space," he added.
Northumberland County Council defended their decision in a statement, explaining their assessment process for disabled parking applications.
Ridley is forced to walk further to reach the car, which is particularly challenging given his condition
PA
"Applications for disabled parking bays in residential areas are carefully assessed against specific eligibility criteria, such as benefit entitlement and lack of off-street parking," a spokesman said.
The council added that each application includes consultation with residents to ensure "a fair balance of need, safety, and practical considerations."
They confirmed Ridley's application "did not satisfy the eligibility criteria" after careful review.
However, the council noted that Ridley can appeal the decision, which would then "be reviewed independently."
The authority insisted they "remain committed to supporting residents with mobility challenges in every way we can."
