A disabled parking space that is also a residents’ bay has caused so much confusion that one tenant decided to take matters into his own hands.

Parking restrictions have were introduced on the St Andrew’s Park Estate in Barming, behind the Hermitage Walk parade of shops, which include a Tesco Express and a Domino’s Pizza.

Until the residents’ bays were marked people could park in any space, but one disabled bay, which is marked with a wheelchair logo, has been causing particular problems.

That bay also has H27 painted on it in yellow, making it a resident’s bay.

It is designated for Matthew Walters, of Sandlewood Court, but he is not disabled.

He said: “Things got so bad that at the weekend I attempted to chip off the disabled logo with a hammer and chisel.

“That is the only bay I can park in, but I was getting evil looks from disabled people, who thought I was wrongly taking up the space.”

Mr Walters, who moved into his flat in November said he has repeatedly called Persimmon, which built the estate, and Hyde Housing, from whom he rents, but nothing has been done.

Paul Manley, director of AM Secure Parking, which operates the restrictions, said he understood that the bay had to keep its disabled logo, in case any future tenant with disabilities moved onto the estate.

He added: “We have put signs up saying the bay is residents only and cones, but people, both disabled and able-bodied people are still parking there.”

Disabled pensioner Tony Lang, of Maidstone, parked in the bay displaying his badge and was hit with a £70 fine. That has now been cancelled after he appealed.

A spokesman for Hyde Housing said they were aware of the problems and were working to resolve it.

Persimmon said the housing with a dedicated number of parking spaces were handed over to Hyde when the estate was completed.