A Blackburn pensioner says he is prepared to go to court rather than pay a parking ticket which he has deemed "heartless".

Keith Perry, 78, who struggles to walk and has a disabled blue badge, called the decision to book him in Blackburn town centre ‘ridiculous’ and has been fighting the parking fine since May.

Mr Perry was on his way to a get his Covid-19 vaccination on April 29 and said all the disabled bays in Blackburn town centre were occupied.

He decided to park in Cardwell Place, where there are double yellow lines, and was handed a parking fine, the first he has had in 60 years of driving.

The Government website states "badge holders may park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours" but there may be restriction in loading areas.

Mr Perry said: “I had driven around the town centre and in Darwen Street and could not find any spots.

“I needed to get to my appointment and decided to park in Cardwell Place on double yellow lines. It meant I could make my way to get the Covid jab. Even this was with great difficulty.

“I can’t walk that far so needed to park somewhere close by. I had not parked in a loading bay.”

Mr Perry’s fine would have £35 fine if paid within 14 days and then increased to £70. He has now been asked to pay £105, triple the original fine.

He went on: “The whole decision to chase me for the money is ridiculous and heartless.

“I am going to carry on fighting this and refuse to pay this. They are wasting their time with this.

“The process has caused me so much stress and anxiety. The ticket should be rescinded and it is a complete waste of time and resources. I will go to court if I have to.”

Mr Perry has a number of letters and correspondence from the council and his local MP Kate Hollern who has been looking into the case for him.

In correspondence seen by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mr Perry is told by the council that: “On the date of contravention our Civil Enforcement Officer had reason to believe your vehicle was parked in contravention of Code 2 – Parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street where waiting and loading/unloading restrictions are in force.”

It added: “Upon entering the restricted parking zone you have passed a large entry sign stating ‘Restricted Parking Zone At Any Time’ with ‘No Loading at any Time’.

"This restriction does not allow parking at any time, including loading or unloading outside of designated marked bays.

“We must inform you that a blue badge does not entitle the holder in no waiting, no restriction indicated by signage only.”

Mr Perry was also told his vehicle was causing a restriction to a main bus route.

He said: “Anyone who has been on that road will know that there is ample space for a bus to get through and as far as I was aware there were not large signs up I could see."

Blackburn with Darwen Council were approached for comment.