A FED UP disabled woman says she can’t shop local now that Kilwinning Main Street has been closed to traffic.

Fed up Karen Smith says she was doing her best to shop local and support businesses in the Main Street but now, after the new traffic order was brought in on Monday morning, she says in a wheelchair it would be impossible.

Under the new order the street will be closed to traffic from 10.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. Previously Blue Badge holders could park in the bays in the Main Street.

But now, Karen, 56, who has a curve spine and crushed vertebrae, says she is too scared of navigating the camber and kerbs in the surrounding car parks next to the Main Street.

And she is now out to prove that the decision to close the street by the Locality Partnership without consulting disabled people was wrong.

“It breaks my heart that this was decided without any consultation with disabled people,” said Karen.

“I couldn’t believe it when I read it in the paper last week. I was in shock and then when I thought more about it I was angry that this decision has been made behind closed doors.

“Someone in a wheelchair who is on their own navigating around the Main Street will find it hard to navigate the adverse camber of the street. The car parks and kerbs are impossible to get up and down on your own and for me, I am too frightened to try.

“Before I could park in the Main Street and in my wheelchair, the shops I needed were easily accessible. I was trying hard to support the local traders during these difficult times but now I will have no option but to get home deliveries from the larger supermarkets.

“It’s heartbreaking when you want to stay local, especially during these times.”