A DISABLED driver has slammed neighbours who claimed he exaggerated his disability to get himself a parking space outside his Burnley home.

Neighbours of arthritic Roy Whitehead wrote to Burnley Council to object to the disabled parking bay in Kyan Street and to suggest it should be removed.

Councillors, however, decided the bay should remain and today Roy, 64, said he was outraged anyone should question his disability.

Roy, a retired labourer, has suffered from spinal problems for almost 15 years since an accident at work. He is on medication, has to walk with crutches and has a motorised scooter for travelling long distances.

He is a member of the Disabled Drivers' Association and has an orange disabled badge.

He said: "I am absolutely amazed that anyone could think I am not disabled. Even if I do walk to the car I cannot stand unaided for any length of time.

"I think it is just petty mindedness that people object to the disabled space, to which I am fully entitled."

Roy said he had applied to the borough council for a disabled bay in September last year after the number of cars in the street increased so much he was unable to park outside his house.

To qualify for the disabled parking bay scheme applicants must have a disabled badge and receive mobility benefit or be over 65.

There must be a parking problem at their home and they must not have access to a garage or driveway.

The information given by the applicant is checked with social services and neighbours are asked if they have any objections.

A letter from the county council confirmed Roy is registered disabled.

When Roy applied to join the scheme, three neighbours wrote objecting to his application.

Joanne Foster, who lives next door to Roy at number 74, said: "I object because I believe Mr Whitehead is not as disabled as he would make us all believe.

"I regularly see him doing things that a disabled person would not be able to do and this infuriates me."

Another neighbour, from number 76, wrote: "I wish to object to Mr Whitehead's parking space.

"I think he is using the system to his own use. I don't think he is disabled."

Councillors voted to overrule the objections at a meeting of the traffic regulation order sub committee earlier this week.