Blue badge drivers warned they face being unable to park outside own homes 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. 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. Blue badge holders have hit out at a council after being denied a disabled parking space outside their own homes. 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. He wanted the space near his Seaton Delaval property. "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. ‌ "I had two strokes and I can't do anything here. I can walk so far, but that's about it," he explained. "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. Article continues below READ MORE Drivers urged to follow one unwritten rule that'll save them £9,000 "It would be absolutely brilliant if they installed a space," he added. Ridley is forced to walk further to reach the car, which is particularly challenging given his condition. ‌ "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." Article continues below According to Department for Transport data, there are currently 2.5 million Blue Badge holders in the UK, up from 2.4 million in 2022. In reply, a driver fumed: "The mere fact the council needed to be told that disabled people need good, free parking facilities to allow them to access the community, shows they should not be in a position of authority over such decisions. "It also often takes disabled people much longer to load / unload wheelchairs, etc., and to do the things which others can do much more quickly. Many also are unable to use public transport."