An amputee told The Messenger of his annoyance after he was not deemed disabled enough for a Blue Badge by Trafford Council.

Neil McLoughlin, from Timperley, has had one leg almost all his life after he lost the other leg to an infection at the age of one week.

The father-of-two and IT worker applied for a Blue Badge for the first time around two years ago saying he was struggling to walk with a prosthesis more and more now he was in his 40s.

The fact he was able to walk with a prosthesis for more than 80m "without pain" and "without rest" at an assessment meant he was not at the threshold set by the Department for Transport.

(Image: Neil McLoughlin)

Mr McLoughlin said: "I went through all of the rigmarole and the council went 'No, you are not deemed disabled enough' but the more and more I think about it I think 'No, this is not right'.

"Sometimes I struggle to leave the house."

Now 45, Mr McLoughlin applied for a Blue Badge for the second time last month but he was initially unsuccessful.

He said the assessment does not account for challenging conditions like icy and wet walkways in the winter.

(Image: Neil McLoughlin)

Mr McLoughlin said: "I got a doctor's letter and the response was they need medical evidence. Why do they need medical evidence if there is a doctor's letter? 

"I sent them a picture of my missing leg and I said 'Is this enough evidence for you?' A lot of people abuse the scheme and they can get a Blue Badge but I have a missing leg and I cannot get a Blue Badge. It makes no sense."

A Blue Badge permits on-street parking for free, for as long as necessary, or for a maximum of three hours on single yellow lines and double yellow lines.

The rules for private parking are up to the operators but a lot of operators, such as supermarkets, provide separate spaces for those with a Blue Badge.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Mr McLoughlin’s application is still open and is yet to be determined. After receiving his application, we contacted Mr McLoughlin asking for more evidence as we believed he had only supplied us with appointment letters to a clinician.

"However, a letter from the NHS has now been found and his application will be determined shortly. We apologise for the confusion.”

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.