A pensioner has slammed inconsiderate motorists who park on the pavement and stop his disabled wife from leaving their North Tyneside home.
More than 20 years ago, Monica Gracey, 66, was diagnosed with a brain tumour that has left her visually impaired and relying on a walker or wheelchair.
Her husband Kevin, 71, said his wife is now regularly stuck in the Forest Hall house because drivers mount the pavement and park next to the fence, meaning the gate can't be opened.
"We have had a problem with people parking, not just across the footpath, but right across the gate, blocking us in," he said.
"They park so close to the gate that my wife can't get out with her walker or wheelchair."
Monica has had to undergo major heart surgery and also a knee replacement.
"We have had the ambulance turn up and the paramedics have had to knock on doors to ask people to move their cars," Kevin, who cares for his wife full time, said.
"The home help has also come and not been able to get into the house."
In a bid to deter people from parking outside, Kevin put up a sign, but it has been ripped down.
He said: "I put up a sign, which I was given permission to do, saying do not park as it is disabled access, but it has been ripped off.
"I put it on myself, I know it was not a kid that could have done it.
"The police and council have been involved and we are trying to get the lines extended.
"I've put a little sign up to shame them in whoever is responsible until another sign will be getting put back in. The police are going to monitor the situation.
"All I am asking people to do is not park in front of the gate."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 9am on July 31, police received a report of theft of a sign at an address on Rocket Way, Forest Hall.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 and quote reference number 249 31/07/19."
