A DISABLED man is furious after being turned down for a parking bay outside his house.

Don Byrom has been fighting Blandford Town Council for nearly two years for the right to park outside his Highfields bungalow.

The 59-year-old, who uses crutches, is virtually housebound because he dare not go out in case someone takes the space.

He has had to give up an Open University course because his severe spinal problem, arthritis and foot tumour make it impossible to carry equipment any distance.

Dorset County Council, the police, disability charity Scope and his physiotherapist have all backed his application.

But the town council has again refused his request.

Town mayor Gerry Chapman said if Mr Byrom's application were accepted, it could open the floodgates for similar requests.

The recent Disability Discrimination Act did not require councils to implement such measures if they could be detrimental to able-bodied people, he said.

"Just because it's a disabled bay doesn't mean it's automatically granted," Cllr Chapman added.

Mr Byrom, who lives alone, said: "I came out of the meeting quite angry as it seemed there was not much common sense there.

"Someone suggested I use a shopping trolley but there are steps going up to my house and I'm on crutches."

Mr Byrom said he would continue with his application.

First published: November 5