A WOMAN who cares for her elderly father has hit out at Bournemouth Borough Council after being rejected for a blue badge.

Jane Dry, who lives in Iford, decided to move father Glyn Arthur into her home two weeks ago after he became increasingly frail.

The 89-year-old is in the early stages of dementia and struggles to walk long distances.

However, the council has turned down Mrs Dry’s application for a blue badge, which would allow her to park in disabled spaces.

She said: “It is so frustrating to be told that he’s been rejected.

“I’ve asked them to come and meet him to show them how much we need it, but they won’t. I’ve even offered to bring him to them so they can meet him personally, but they don’t want that to happen either.

“They’re just making these decisions without knowing anything about my father.”

Because of Mr Arthur’s condition, Mrs Dry, 56, is unable to drop him off while she parks further away.

“He would wander off and get lost,” she said.

“I have to take my father with me everywhere and it would make such a difference to our lives if we could park as close as possible to the shops.

“It takes him a long time to walk anywhere.”

She said she will appeal against the decision, but is concerned it could take “months” for the council to respond.

“I’ve been asked to appeal in writing,” she said.

“By the time this all gets sorted, it could be February next year. With Christmas coming up, it feels like a real nightmare.”

Stuart Walters, customer services manager for Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “Any application for a Blue Badge is thoroughly considered and assessed against set criteria.

“In this instance we refused the application based on the information which was provided to us.

“Applicants who are unhappy with a decision have the opportunity to appeal, which would result in them undergoing a walking assessment with an occupational therapist.”