Alas, that is life!

I lost mine because it was ruled the disabled parking spaces on the council car park were too far away from the Tamarisk Centre to warrant a blue badge.

I live alone, have no relatives in the area and I am not on a bus route. I did try to walk to the nearest bus stop, after they took my blue badge. I didn’t make it. I had to turn back for home before I got half-way to the bus stop.

I found the experience of my blue badge interview traumatic. I was told off for having my walking stick in the wrong hand.

I think the woman interviewing me thought my hip/knee replacements were my main problem. They are not. I have osteoporosis and I am in constant spinal pain.

Since I lost my blue badge, I stay indoors more. I never go out in the evening. I have to shop at shops where I can park near the entrance.

I thought the idea was to help the elderly and keep them independent for as long as possible, not to make life more difficult for them.

Like Mr Young, it was acknowledged that I walk slowly. That is because, most days, every step is painful.

I have accepted I have to wait a year until I can reapply for my badge. I only hope I get an interviewer with more insight into my plight.

Alas, that is life!

Ann Tyrer

Parkside Court

Meadow Way

Littlehampton