TRAFFIC wardens twice slapped parking tickets on a

motorist's car after he displayed his wife's

American-registered disabled badge.

Decorated Spitfire pilot Kenneth Johnson had been staying in

Stoke-on-Trent during a break from his Las Vegas home when he

was booked by city wardens in February and July.

The 85-year-old – who was staying with former Stoke City

player Alan Philpott, pictured , – was told that only

European Union-registered disabled badges were allowed.

But Mr Johnson has appealed against the £160 worth of fines

and Stoke-on-Trent City Council has torn up the tickets.

Now Mr Johnson has questioned whether he and wife, Joyce,

will ever return to Stoke-on-Trent once they go home in

September.

He said: "I am so ashamed to call myself British after I did

everything for this country and then they repay me with these

ridiculous fines.

"There was no sign to say my wife's badge could not be

used.

"It's as if the council is saying that you are disabled in

one country but not in another. I am so disgusted by this city

that I don't see why I should ever come back.

"My wife has been diagnosed with blood clots in her lungs

following surgery on her knees and so we use the badge so she

does not have to walk far when we go out."

During his appeals, Mr Johnson enlisted the support of Mr

Philpott.

Mr Philpott, aged 65, who played for Stoke in the 1960s,

said: "Gone are the days when there was respect in this

city.

"I knew Stanley Matthews and know Gordon Banks and they

commanded respect and the way the council treated this hero was

disgraceful."

Joan Bell, city council portfolio holder for community

safety, said: "There is no arrangements between the council and

non EU badges and so residents of Stoke-on-Trent would not be

allowed to use their blue badges over there.

"Where someone has a non EU blue badge they can park in

disabled bays but will have to buy a ticket as well."

Anyone concerned about parking in the city should contact

the parking helpline on 01782 237999.