I have to carry my disabled son because council won't give us a parking badge

A mother told today how she has to carry her disabled son because London council bosses refuse to give her a Blue Badge parking permit.

Four-year-old Cobey Matthews needs casts on his legs for weeks at a time because his feet roll inwards, making walking painful.

But Tower Hamlets has refused to give his mother Elisha Nicholls a parking permit forcing her to carry the four-and-a half stone boy. Ms Nicholls, from Bow, who spends £200 a month on parking, said: "Often he can't walk and I physically can't carry him. He has so many doctors' appointments and it's a long way to the hospital."

Conditions for Blue Badge eligibility include having a permanent disability. A Tower Hamlets spokeswoman said: "We are sympathetic but the criteria for issuing the Blue Badge are legally binding and are not negotiable."