A former soldier has been told he will not be able to renew his blue badge permit over the summer due to a backlog of applications.

Cedric Amphlett, 88, of Beccles, is reliant on his disabled badge to drive his wife Elizabeth, who he cares for on journeys to the shops, doctors and into town.

The couple, who have been married for 65 years, are concerned about how they will cope without a blue badge.

Cedric Amphlett, 88, of Beccles, is angry that he can't renew his Blue BadgeCedric Amphlett, 88, of Beccles, is angry that he can't renew his Blue Badge (Image: Denise Bradley)

"My current blue badge expires on June 24 and the council told me that they will not issue me a new one until September time.

"I have no idea how they expect me to manage for two months without it," Mr Amphlett said.

"I am the full-time carer of my wife who sadly in her old age is totally incapacitated to walk, especially after her stroke a few years ago, and I myself cannot walk very far these days.

"We are totally dependent on the badge to park as close as we can.

"Walking into town is not possible, so do the council really expect me to keep my wife at home and not take her anywhere all summer, it is totally unfair and a joke."

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Beccles couple, Cedric Amphlett, 88, and his wife, Elizabeth, 86, angry that they can't renew their Blue BadgeBeccles couple, Cedric Amphlett, 88, and his wife, Elizabeth, 86, angry that they can't renew their Blue Badge (Image: Denise Bradley)

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Suffolk County Council is responsible for blue badge allocation in Beccles and said that there is a national backlog of applications being processed.

A spokesman added: "Recognising the importance of blue badges to holders, we accept renewal applications 18 weeks prior to help ensure continuity of badge validity.

"Badge holders who complete their renewal application 12 weeks before the badge expiry date should receive their new badge before the current one expires.

"To protect the integrity of the application process and to be fair to all applicants, we process applications, including renewals, in the date order in which they were received.

"We work tirelessly to do so as quickly and accurately as possible.”

Cedric Amphlett, 88, of Beccles, is angry that he can't renew his Blue BadgeCedric Amphlett, 88, of Beccles, is angry that he can't renew his Blue Badge (Image: Denise Bradley)