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A retired couple with severe mobility issues are locked in a battle with the council over the parking space in front of their home.

Malcolm and Cheryl Waters, from Trethomas, used to be able to park their car just a few steps away from their front door on Llanfabon Drive.

However, a number of public parking bays were installed by Caerphilly Council in front of their home, along with a knee-high metal barrier, blocking access from their drive to the main road.

This has been frustrating for Mr Waters, who said: “We often find the bays outside our house taken by other people, meaning we have to park some distance away.

“I live with constant pain from hip and vertebrae issues, and my wife struggles to walk even a few steps. We even offered to pay for a dropped kerb in front of our home, but the council refused.”

Trethomas resident Bryan Masters has been trying to help the couple. He said: “Despite repeated requests from me for the council to meet with Malcolm and Cheryl, and despite numerous emails, the council appears disconnected from the couple’s needs.

“Their concerns were overlooked both before and after the bays were installed. What does the council leader Jamie Pritchard have to say about their treatment?”

Caerphilly’s Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Lindsay Whittle said he has also been asking the council to “reconsider the needs” of the couple, and said: “The council has treated them shabbily to say the least, and at worst, intentionally ignored their situation.

“They must urgently meet this couple and work for a satisfactory solution.”

A Caerphilly County Borough Council spokesperson said: “CCBC has invested significantly in a scheme to improve off-road parking for the residents of Llanfabon Road.

“Previously, there have been problems caused by residents parking inappropriately and causing extensive damage to the highway verges. These improvements have been delivered to help address this issue and provide enhanced parking facilities for residents.

“We are aware of the concerns of some individuals about the loss of their previous parking arrangements; however, the new parking bays are accessible and available to the property in question.

“We will continue to engage with residents and explore future opportunities and improvements as required.”