A DISABLED man says he is left stuck in a nightmare because of cars parking over pavements in his town.
Gordon Divall has been blind since 2009 and is paralysed from the neck down after a road accident in Shoreham.
The former asbestos removals man says getting around the town is becoming a hard challenge because
lazy and inconsiderate drivers are leaving pavements blocked.
He found four cars blocking his way from Buckingham Park to his home nearby in just one visit while walking his guide dog Henry, a German shepherd golden retriever cross.
Mr Divall, who relies on a mobility scooter, said: “I was on my way back when I realised a car was completely blocking my path.
“Some idiot had parked a great big Lexus across the road.
“I had to completely double back and cross the road where I didn’t think it was safe.
“There are cars parked on the pavement and bins block the road, it is just a nightmare.
“The thing that annoys me is that most of the houses have great big drives.
“Why not just park the car on the drive?”
Mr Divall had to undergo treatment at Stoke Mandeville hospital for his spinal injuries after a road accident in 2014.
He is partially sighted, and fell into a pothole in Steyning while walking, causing damage to his back.
At first he was told he would be in hospital for three days at Haywards Heath, but it turned out to be nine months as he was left
paralysed by his spinal injury.
Since then, the 49-year-old has been rebuilding his life.
He had to battle to get a new guide dog in 2016 and needed to raise funds for an electric wheelchair.
The avid Brighton and Hove Albion fan then took Henry to the Amex Stadium for his first game in February this year.
He has also previously climbed up Mount Snowdon in North Wales to raise
money for the charity Back Up.
A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: “If there are no yellow lines or parking restrictions where the vehicles are parked
then we currently
have no power to take enforcement action against them.
“It would be for the
police to decide if the vehicles are committing an offence by obstructing the footway.
“Anyone wanting to make a complaint about vehicles parking illegally by contravening parking restrictions, can contact the Worthing Parking Shop.”
Information can be reported on 0345 680 0189 or sent to report.onparking@nslservices.co.uk, or call the police on 101.
Have you been affected by bad parking? Share your pictures and stories. Email: news@theargus.co.uk
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