AGEING villagers say they are in danger of becoming ‘prisoners in their own homes’ due to problematic parking outside of their bungalows.

Pensioners have criticised Darlington’s council after the authority refused to implement restrictions around The Orchard in Sadberge.

Those who live in a cluster of ‘pensioners’ bungalows’ on the street say motorists are leaving them increasingly isolated by parking outside their homes.

A number of residents, who are all over 70 and disabled, have called on Darlington Borough Council to create blue badge bays or introduce permit parking on the street, where there are currently no restrictions.

On behalf of his neighbours, Sean Kenny penned a letter to the authority highlighting the issues they face and accusing the council of neglecting the street.

He said residents had been “literally persecuted by the lack of proper parking regulations” and claimed some had been threatened and had their own vehicles damaged after confronting drivers parking outside their homes, sometimes for days on end.

Mr Kenny said the situation was getting “worse by the day”, adding: “We are at the mercy of anyone who wishes to park their cars or vans outside our homes.

“The fact we are disabled drivers means nothing because there are no restrictions whatsoever.

“If we leave our homes to go to the hospital, doctors or supermarket, the chances are we cannot park outside our home when we get back.

“All we are asking for is permit parking to be applied to the three old peoples’ bungalows so that we are not prisoners in our own homes, and the people who show total disregard for the elderly will not be able to do so in future.

“We believe that we are being discriminated against by the council, because we are only three old age pensioners and are just a nuisance to be ignored.”

Mr Kenny has now submitted a formal complaint to the council after his requests were refused.

A spokesman for the authority said: “Council officers have met with Mr Kenny and listened to his concerns about his parking situation.

“Unfortunately, on this occasion, we do not believe we can agree to his request and the reasons for this have been explained to him.

“He has asked for this to be investigated further under our corporate complaints procedure and this is currently underway.”

The Northern Echo understands that the council would not propose changes to parking in the area unless it was causing safety concerns relating to the obstruction of dropped crossings or restricted visibility at the junction. A consultation would also have to be carried out.