THE term ‘red tape’ summons up images of uncaring bureaucrats getting in the way by insisting every last ‘t’ is crossed and ‘i’ dotted – no matter what the consequence.

Sometimes proper bureaucratic procedures are necessary. That is as true when issuing blue badges to disabled people as for anything. Issue too many – especially to those who don’t really need them – and our streets would be clogged with people parking wherever they felt like it.

At other times, however, a bit of common sense is needed. You only need to look at the photograph of Mark Jenkinson on our front page today to realise this is a man who can’t possibly walk. The 40-year-old smashed both legs and broke an arm when he crashed to the ground in a paragliding accident.

He’s had five operations since. His legs are encased in titanium frames, he’s had skin grafts and pins – and it will be at least 18 months, if ever, before he can walk properly again.

But he says he has been unable to get a disabled parking badge – needed so his wife can park near hospital when he goes for appointments – because officials at North Yorkshire County Council have lost documents he sent them.

The council says complaints such as this are ‘thoroughly investigated’. That is good. But in the meantime Mr Jenkinson still needs his blue badge.

We suggest that county council officials look at our front page today, then send Mr Jenkinson his badge forthwith. If anyone needs one, it is him. That’s just obvious.