A MAN is furious after his elderly uncle's carers were unable to reach him for almost four hours because of the Tour of Britain cycle race.

Trevor Churchill says his frail uncle was left a prisoner in his own home when roads around Holland-on-Sea were closed to traffic during the high-profile race, which was broadcast live on TV.

The 92-year-old is housebound, incontinent and relies on carers to clean and cook for him twice a day.

They tried to visit him at about 10.30am on the day of the race but were unable to get through because roads had been closed for the Tour of Britain time trial.

The carers finally managed to reach him at about 2.30pm after the sporting event was over.

Mr Churchill, from Frinton, said: "I'm furious. He is frail and housebound so they go in to wash, clean and feed him.

"But I had a phone call to say they had been denied access because the roads were shut and they wouldn't be able to get to him until they reopened."

Mr Churchill claims other care agencies were also affected.

He added: "My uncle is lucky because he can cope on his own to a certain extent, but some people are bed-bound "He was OK and his situation wasn't critical. But I'm fuming that no one gives a damn."

Tendring Council said it had done all it could to minimise disruption caused by the Tour of Britain and there had been just a "handful" of complaints.

"In total 6,000 letters were distributed to residents and businesses both in and around the route and 1,000 leaflets placed on cars," said a spokesman.

"Contact was made with a whole range of organisations including medical professionals and carers, who the council worked with to find solutions to problems.

"There have also been regular press releases over a 5-6 month period and signs placed at each of the roads affected for three weeks preceding."