WHEELCHAIR-BOUND Wayne Graham’s move to a new home has turned into a mobility nightmare because he has lost his independence.

He cannot get into his specially-adapted van because of motorists parking in the way of his dropped kerb.

The 43-year-old cerebral-palsy sufferer is now calling for a clearly-marked and legally-enforceable disabled parking bay outside his flat to allow him to get out and about.

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However, a dispute between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Twin Valley Homes over who is responsible for marking out the protected space has stopped his route to freedom.

Mr Graham said he just wants someone to tackle the issue and ensure he can use his Vauxhall Vivaro without his carer Andrew Trigg having to carry him to and from the vehicle.

Last October, he moved from his one-bedroom flat in Shearwater Drive to a property in Reading Close, Audley, so his 35-hours-a-week carer Andrew Craig could stay in the second bedroom when required. Mr Graham expected to be able to drive his wheelchair round the back of his vehicle over the dropped kerb as previously.

But neighbours and other drivers keep parking outside his new home, leaving him effectively housebound unless 42-year-old Mr Craig carries him to the van. It also leaves him without the motorised wheelchair to get around at the other end of any journey and with a less convenient and mobile manual version instead.

Mr Graham applied to the council for a marked out disabled bay for the Vivaro van with space to use the access ramp at the rear, as with his old property. Officials said because the road was so narrow it was a matter for the flat’s owners Twin Valley Homes. But the housing association says it is a matter for the borough.

Now local Audley councillor Zamir Khan is trying to broker a deal between the two to give the resident of his ward back his independence and mobility.

Mr Graham said: “I am virtually housebound, indeed totally so without Andrew. I have lost my independence which is very important to me. I have council officials round, Cllr Khan has visited and Twin Valley have been three times.

“Last time they were talking about painting a notice on the pavement. That won’t work. I need a proper marked out legal disabled bay outside my home or people will just ignore it. It’s turned into a nightmare.”

Borough highways boss Phil Riley said: “I will look into this and see if between the council and Twin Valley we can find a solution to what appears to be a difficult problem.”

Ian Bell, Head of Twin Valley Homes, said: “We’re working with Mr Graham and the council to try and find a solution.”