AN elderly woman who will be cut off by a cycle race has said it makes her feel vulnerable. 

Joy Leaford said plans to close roads near her Holt Heath home for 15,000 cyclists to pass by for Velo Birmingham will prevent anyone from visiting her. 

A home care manager has also raised concerns about vulnerable residents being left without care during the major cycle ride in September.

Tony Joyce, the care manager for Eclipse HomeCare, says road closures may restrict carers' access to properties on Sunday, September 24.

Ms Leaford, aged 86, first found out that the main road in her village would be closed for the Velo Birmingham event from publican Lee Ball.

Mr Ball, landlord of the King's Arms, Ombersley, delivered over 150 letters to locals to let them know about the closure of the A4133.

Ms Leaford, of Holt Heath, near Worcester, said: "I didn't know about the route before Lee.

"We can't have anybody come here at all. It makes it extremely lonely and I feel rather vulnerable.

"We don't have any alternative roads, the rest are farm lanes. I don't see why they think they can do it.

"It's only one day but it's a funny feeling. It's an infringement on freedom of movement.

"I think they should have done far more research into the roads."

Ms Leaford, who uses a wheelie walker, said some of her neighbours are even more housebound than her.

She hopes to work around the closure by getting her nurses to visit early in the morning and at night.

Mr Joyce, aged 54, said: "I'm concerned that there may be issues with reaching clients, particularly those needing medication in a timely fashion.

"Some vulnerable people require medication which is time-based so we have to be there when we say we are going to be there.

"We will work with the council and race organisers to ensure we can deliver that care."

CSM Active, which has organised the 100-mile ride, was approached for comment.