An elderly disabled gentleman has spoken out regarding Reading Festival which he says causes major disruption to his day-to-day life every time it comes around. 

Richard Worrow, 83, who lives in Caversham Heights said that he really struggles when Rivermead Leisure Centre closes as he uses the site for rehabilitation exercises. 

Speaking directly to Mr Worrow's son Phillip Worrow, he said that his father has been doing his rehab exercises in the gyms at the leisure centre after a head injury he sustained last year has left him with aphasia.

"We have just found out that Rivermead will be shut for a week this time around," Mr Worrow said. 

"He has just been told that he needs to go and use one of the other centres, but they do not have the same equipment. As he is disabled trying to get to the other side of Reading is also difficult."

Mr Worrow went on to say that he hasn't been notified why Rivermead needs to shut this time around but was informed last year that it had been temporarily used as a station for law enforcement. 

He also said that for all residents it is difficult when they shut Richfield Avenue, which is often used by drivers to get in and out of the town centre. 

"It does stop residents from getting around in Reading, you have to go a really long way round which does cause quite a bit of disruption. On a Thursday night and Friday night traffic in the town just makes the centre a no-go zone," he said. 

"Obviously, shopping is difficult as they now use King's Meadow as a major car parking area. That is the closest supermarket to us, Tescos, which just becomes really problematic."

Mr Worrow also said that the festival has now opened up another car park and camping area on the Mapledurham Estate. 

He said that this causes traffic jams all the way up the A4074. 

"The route into that site is also along a public footpath which then makes the path a no-go zone although they are part of Oxfordshire. When I queried this, Oxfordshire council stopped replying to me," Mr Worrow continued. 

"There are quite a few little things that do affect the people living in the area, and we do often feel as though we are an afterthought."

Reading Festival brings in thousands of pounds every year to the town and therefore massively improves the economy of local businesses.

Both the festival and the council have been contacted for a comment. This article will be updated once they respond.