A DIABETES sufferer has accused his local council of discrimination for ruling that he could not become a taxi driver.
Anthony Ash, of Newfield, near Bishop Auckland, said he had approached a private doctor for a medical.
He had been declared fit, but was still not granted a Hackney badge by Wear Valley District Council.
He said: "The doctor said I was fit to drive a juggernaut, never mind a taxi, but still the council says I am not able to drive a public service vehicle.''
Mr Ash said he had been honest when filling in his application for the licence, and admitted that he relied on insulin for his condition.
He said: "I know of three or four drivers in Bishop Auckland that have diabetes and they have been given a licence.
"I feel that I have been discriminated against by the council.
"I have been honest with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency) in Swansea and they have granted me a driving licence.
"I can use my own vehicle to give people lifts to and from places so why can't I drive a taxi?''
Jim Nutt, assistant director of environmental services at Wear Valley District Council, said: "Each case is assessed in accordance with guidelines issued by the DVLA and the advice of the Medical Commission For the Prevention of Accidents."
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