A KEIGHLEY couple with two young children both diagnosed with muscular dystrophy have condemned a decision to deny the family a disabled persons' blue badge parking permit.

Ricky Chivers and his fiancee Alex Kay, of Long Lee, say three applications have been rejected by Bradford Council.

The perplexed parents have challenged the local authority's argument that they do not meet the criteria for eligibility.

But Bradford Council has responded that in six months, when the older child reaches three, the couple can apply for an allowance which – if they are successful – would qualify them for a blue badge.

The couple's eldest child, Adam, does not have muscular dystrophy.

But the inherited condition – which weakens the muscles and skeleton, making it difficult to walk or move – has been diagnosed in their youngest son Marcus, who is nearly one, and in their middle son Lucas, two and a half.

Lucas already has to use a wheelchair and Mr Chivers, 30, a full-time carer for the children, says he and his partner had believed they would have no problem gaining a blue badge to allow them to use disabled parking spaces.

"We've applied three times in two months and each time they've said 'no'," he added.

"They've told us we don't meet the criteria to be eligible, but how can that be right? This is something we really need.

"Lucas has had a wheelchair for nearly a year, and he doesn't have the strength to pull himself up and walk.

"The council is saying there's a chance that he may able to walk, but we're saying that right now he can't.

"Marcus is still in a pram, but he also has muscular dystrophy. He was diagnosed at the start of this year.

"We don't think the council's excuse is good enough. It's wrong."

The latest council letter sent to Mr Chivers and his partner states: "It is acknowledged that Lucas's condition will have some degree of impact on his mobility.

"But at this stage it is not known with the developmental delay how well Lucas will walk.

"To qualify for a badge the Department for Transport advises that the applicant is over the age of two and has a permanent and substantial disability, which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty walking at all times."

The council's spokesman told the Keighley News: “We have informed Mr Chivers of our reasons for refusal, and pointed out he can request a further review by writing to the Appeals and Disputes Team, if he is unhappy with the decision.

“Alternatively, when Lucas turns three, Mr Chivers can apply to the Department of Work and Pensions for the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, and if successful he will then automatically qualify for a blue badge.”