A severely disabled Whitley Bay woman was initially told she couldn't have a disabled parking bay outside her home.
Retired couple Jane and Alan Farnworth applied to the council four months ago for an advisory disabled bay outside their own home on Thorntree Drive. Jane, 68, has severe arthritis in her left hip as well as lymphedema, making it "almost impossible" for her to walk more than a couple of steps.
Thorntree Drive, according to Alan, is often a busy street with visitors and Wellfield Primary School at the top of the street, making parking outside the house difficult. However, when the council assessed the couple's application initially, engineers claimed the proposed bay would prevent access to a driveway on the opposite side of the street.
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However, Rob Cunningham, the neighbour who lives opposite, said: "I support the parking bay fully, it would not impede us. Alan has difficulties with his wife's illness and it would be excellent for him to have that space."
Rob went on to say he has never had difficulties getting out of his driveway in the 40 years he has lived on the street.
Since Alan, 72, spoke to ChronicleLive, North Tyneside Council has agreed to review the parking bay refusal.
According to Alan, the council's original decision meant the couple were becoming increasingly shut in, and they don't leave the house except for medical appointments, for fear they could not park close enough to home. The couple had been fond of birdwatching, with Jane spotting from the car, and picnics in Northumberland, but such activities have had to be put on hold.
Alan said: "Now with my wife being unable to walk more than two or three steps if I can't get parked outside I could be parked a hundred yards away or even round the block.
"There's just no way she could walk from there. I have to get the travelling wheelchair from the shed, come to wherever we are parked and push her from there.
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"We have met the conditions for an advisory bay so we submitted for it, a few weeks later they told us we couldn't have one because it would obstruct or impede the driveway opposite.
"It doesn't now, anybody can park there, a van, a bus, and it doesn't impede. It's an advisory [bay], so it doesn't legally change the structure of the road.
"It was to make life that much easier and give her more dignity. It comes to the point now that unless it’s a hospital or dental appointment she really doesn’t want to go out because she’s not sure how she’s going to get home.”
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North Tyneside Council admitted that they had told Mr and Mrs Farnworth there was no dispute process but they are now reviewing the application.
A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council, said: “The request for an advisory disabled bay was initially rejected because it would potentially obstruct other people’s driveways. As part of our process, we are reviewing this decision and consulting Northumbria Police.
"If they have no objections we will consult the neighbours and, if all parties are happy with the request, then the bay could be installed.”
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