A DISABLED man who says he has become a virtual prisoner in his own home after parking restrictions were imposed outside his front door has appealed for the authorities to give him dispensation.

Terry Atkinson, 67, says he bought a ground-floor flat in Arcadia in Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, because he suffers severe mobility problems and was able to park in the street near to the home.

But, after he moved in, Durham County Council painted yellow lines outside his home, restricting parking between 8am and 6pm, during the week.

Mr Atkinson said: “I am absolutely stuck now. I have chronic arthritis and have had both knees replaced. The closest I can park is 20 yards away, but it takes me half an hour to reach my door.

“I have broken my leg twice trying to cross the road.”

Mr Atkinson has had five fines waived, but has been told no more will be.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who has lobbied the council, said: “The introduction of parking restrictions outside of his home has left Mr Atkinson with a choice between being trapped in his home or trapped in his car.

“In light of his medical condition, I do feel that there must be something more that the council can do to help him.”

Adrian White, head of the council’s transport and contract services, said serious safety concerns had been raised about the number of cars stopping to drop off children at the school and all residents were consulted before the parking restrictions were introduced.

He said: “We understand that Mr Atkinson was in the process of buying a property on the street during the consultation so he would not have been aware of the change until after he moved in.

“Although we sympathise with Mr Atkinson’s situation, and have waived the parking tickets he has received so far, unfortunately there is very little that we can do going forward that would resolve the issue without potentially putting pupils at risk.

“There are two disabled parking bays directly across the street from the property but, as would be the case if we put another in front of Mr Atkinson’s property, anyone with a blue badge would be able to use them.

“We are unable to continue waiving Mr Atkinson’s parking tickets as it risks other drivers ignoring the parking restriction.”