WHEELCHAIR user is challenging politicians to experience how difficult it is for disabled people in the area.

Lara Croft, 41, from Crown Road has thrown down the gauntlet to Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden and local councillors to see if they can get up Shenley Road in Borehamwood in a wheelchair.

Mrs Croft lives with Ehler’s Danlos syndrome, which weakens the connective tissue in the body, and also has severe arthritis in her spine.

It can take her hours to get from her home into town, and days to recover the pain of going over bumps on the pavements.

To keep herself safe, Mrs Croft is particular about the route she takes into town, has to be wary of any bumps in the ground and plans every couple of yards what her next move will be, She only goes into certain shops because the access to other shops via the pavements is not easy in a wheelchair.

Mrs Croft said: “Since my husband died last year, I realised how much I took for granted.

“I try and get out of the house as I want to be independent, but I’m afraid that this is turning me into a hermit.

“It’s not just me, there are other people with my condition in the area, some worse than me, and other users who live here but it is just so difficult.

“Just trying to go to the shops should not be this hard, and that is why I want to challenge other people to try and get down Shenley Road in a wheelchair.”

Hertfordshire County Council and Mr Dowden have been contacted for comment.

If you are a local politician and would like to take on the challenge, please contact morgan.condon@london.newsquest.co.uk