A WOMAN who suffers from crippling arthritis has hit out at the lack of disabled access to shops and hair and beauty salons in Aireborough and Otley.

Judith Bond, who has rheumatoid arthritis and suffered a stroke in 2010, uses an electric wheelchair, which cannot be lowered backwards over high thresholds.

But she says there is not a single hair or beauty salon in Yeadon, Otley or Guiseley without entrance steps.

She says many shops in the area do not have adequate wheelchair access, and she claims many people in wheelchairs are treated with contempt.

Judith, who lives in Rawdon, said: "In December 2010, I had a stroke caused by ibuprofen taken in large doses because of then uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis.

"The warning for high doses came to light in the national press on the day I left stroke rehab. I could walk but badly until 2014, when I had a stroke on the way to the bathroom. From then on, I cannot walk or write or feel my left side."

She went on to develop spasticity in her left arm and foot. The fingers on her left hand are deformed and her arm is bent at the elbow.

Judith had relied on her husband to push her wheelchair over high entrances, but he now struggles to do this after himself being diagnosed with cancer.

She said one beauty salon she had used for years had refused to buy a portable threshold ramp after her husband was diagnosed with cancer. And in another salon, their request was met with an apathetic shrug of the shoulders.

"There is not one hair or beauty salon in Yeadon, Otley and Guiseley with a flat threshold," Judith stressed. "I have to go to Bramhope for hair and the White Rose Center for nails."

Judith said the only buildings where there is guaranteed disabled access are supermarkets, public facilities, Boots and Argos.

She added: "Although I was born in Otley, most of the shops I would like to visit – not all – are not accessible, so shopping is not possible.

"The equality act has compelled these people legally to provide access but, despite that, they have contempt for people in my position."

Judith, who has also lost her hearing, added: "I could write a book about the sheer ignorance toward hearing-impaired and people in wheelchairs, if they’re not elderly or have learning difficulties. I do get smiles but also stares and glares."

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