Hornchurch pensioner has blue badge appeal turned down three times despite undergoing quadruple bypass and having metal rods in his legs.

Pensioner told by council staff-“You walked into the office, unaided so you don’t need a blue badge.”

The daughter of a Hornchurch pensioner is baffled as to why Havering Council have knocked back her father’s appeal for a blue badge three times despite him having numerous health concerns that stop him from walking well.

Michael is 74 years old and has under gone a quadruple by pass, having to have metal rods placed in his legs and is now receiving cancer treatment. His daughter Laraine who is also from Hornchurch, told the Havering Daily:”He can walk short distances slowly on his own. He went to the council office to apply for a blue badge and was told that as he walked in the office unaided, he clearly did not need a blue badge.

“He struggles to walk long distances, and is very easily out of breath, so a blue badge would really help him when he goes shopping or to other places to stop him walking long distances to his car. The appeal has been turned down three times now. I don’t understand why. What more are the council waiting for him to have before they can issue one?”

Laraine is angry at the way her father has been treated and continued: “My father has worked in Havering since he was 14 years old. He has never claimed anything. Now, that he is in his 70s and struggling with his health, he reached out for help and this is how they treat him. I help him with his shopping now as walking to the car is something he struggles with.

“He undergoes regular treatment at Barts Hospital, so a blue badge would really help him.”

Michael and Laraine have provided a full medical history to the council, clearly outlining his difficulties. However, despite this his appeal has been knocked down three times.

“Its sad to see the way our pensioners are treated. My dad is clearly in need of help and never bothered anyone for anything. Yet they slam the door in his face as he could walk a short distance unaided in their office. Perhaps if they spent the day with him, they could see why we are appealing for a blue badge or read his medical history that we have provided for them”

A Havering Council spokesperson said:

“There is a strict eligibility criteria for Blue Badges which is set out in legislation and we follow Government guidance when processing applications.

“This particular case has been through the appeal process which upheld the original decision.”

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