Wheelchair-bound amputee with one leg is told he must supply more proof before he gets a blue parking badge

A council worker suggested a wheelchair–bound amputee could be mobile enough to run a marathon while denying his request for a blue parking badge. 

Nigel Ward, 71, sent Norfolk County Council photos of himself standing on one leg and sitting in his wheelchair in an application for the permit. 

Mr Ward, who lost the lower half of his left leg in an emergency situation on a cruise, has held a blue badge for the last three years. 

But his most recent application for the permit was denied by the council, which said he had not provided sufficient medical evidence of his walking ability.

A council officer even suggested the pensioner could have an undisclosed 'spring leg' and be mobile enough to run a marathon. 

Mr Ward said he can't provide new medical proof, as he no longer regularly sees doctors since receiving his prosthetic limb.

He is now considered 'independent' and only requires medical assistance if 'something went wrong' with his prosthetic limb or stump, he told the BBC. 

Mr Ward said that journeys will be 'troublesome to say the least' without a permit, and that the council is yet to specify what new evidence he needs to provide. 

The Department for Transport's (DfT) blue badge scheme allows people with severe mobility issues to park closer to shops, hospitals and other destinations.

Mr Ward's daughter, Helen Robinson, said she was 'absolutely appalled' that her father's application had been denied by the council. 

She wrote on Facebook: 'What more evidence is needed to demonstrate the significant impact that losing a leg above the knee can have on someone's mobility? 

'Why is someone who has already been recognised as eligible for a blue badge now being put through this process again, having to prove their circumstances all over again? Do you think legs miraculously grow back?

'Someone at the council actually said this to Dad on the phone, "We don't know that you don't have one of those spring legs and could run a marathon!"

'At 71, my dad should not have to face this level of stress and uncertainty just to access the parking support he needs. 

'A blue badge is not a luxury or a privilege to be taken lightly. It can make a real difference to the independence, dignity and everyday life of a disabled person.

'I understand that councils have procedures to follow but surely there must also be room for common sense, compassion and a proper understanding of an individual's circumstances.

'I am sharing this because I cannot believe that my dad is the only person facing this kind of frustrating and distressing experience when trying to access support they genuinely need.

'Disabled people deserve dignity, understanding and a fair assessment, not unnecessary obstacles.'

Since sharing his story online, the family have received several messages from people saying they were also struggling to renew their permits.

Mr Ward believes an uptick in fraudulent claims for blue badges has led to legitimate applications being scrutinised more closely. 

Norfolk County Council said: 'We know how important blue badges are for helping people to remain independent. We have to work within the guidance set for us by the Department for Transport, which includes detailed guidance how eligibility should be assessed through evidence and assessments.

'As detailed on our website applicants must adequately evidence the difficulties they experience whilst walking, this applies to those reapplying for an expiring Blue Badge as well as first time applications.

'There is no renewal process, and applicants are required to evidence their ongoing eligibility with each application. Evidence could include letters, reports or details of treatment from a medical professional.

'Anyone requiring help with a blue badge application or who is unable to use the online application process can call the council's Customer Service Centre on 0344 800 8020, and we would be happy to provide support and advice.'