Parking justice for lifeboat veteran

14/05/2008

 Like many older people, veteran lifeboatman Mike Parker relies upon others to help him stay in his home. But implacable bureaucracy had been making  this impossible.

 

So Mr Parker, from Mudeford Quay, Christchurch asked for our help in getting his local council to allow concessionary parking for his daughter - on whom he depends for shopping and cleaning. Having spent his working life as a fisherman, and saving many lives during his work as a volunteer lifeboatman, Mr Parker has rapidly deteriorating health.

 

But on several occasions when his daughter parked up next to his house to deliver heavy bags and help with chores, the council issued her with a parking ticket - and threatened to do so again.

 

He said:  “I am a blue badge holder and receive Disability Living Allowance. I’ve tried to stay as independent as long as possible, but now I really need my daughter’s help. I’m so grateful to her for bringing my shopping and helping out around the house - but the council won’t let her park here. They insist that she has to park in the car park - which is a long way for her to carry heavy shopping.

 

“I just don’t understand. There are plenty of parking spaces along the Quayside, and most of them are empty because many residents only come for holidays, so she wouldn’t be disturbing anyone else. And she only stays for a few hours at a time during the day, not overnight or anything. I did my National Service, worked hard all my life, paid all my taxes and stamps - and even helped save lives. Surely asking for a small parking concession isn’t a lot to ask is it?”

 

Without the assistance of his daughter, Mr Parker told us he would find it difficult to stay in his own home – which could have cost the local authority thousands of pounds in care costs.

 

Working with Mr Parker’s local paper, the Bournemouth Echo, we approached the Council with Mr Parker’s story and, miraculously, concessionary parking was granted to his daughter within 48 hours.

 

Christchurch Borough councillor, Mike Duckworth said: “This is a very unique case as Mr Parker is a 75-year-old, registered disabled, long- standing resident at Mudeford Quay and the normal parking area for visitors is some way away from his house. Although parking on the Quay is normally only available for residents or fishermen, we have agreed to provide a two-hour free concessionary parking pass for his daughter which will allow her to park on the Quay near his home.”

 

“I’m thrilled and very relieved,” said Mr Parker.