Care workers were prevented access to their clients during the Ironman race in Weymouth due to road closures - despite being reassured they would be allowed through.

The Echo understands that several domiciliary care clients, some of whom suffer with disabilities, were unable to receive the care they rely on in areas affected by the cycle course on Sunday, September 17

Rowan Jackson runs the Better Care At Home care agency, and despite being assured that his staff would be allowed onto the racecourse, they were 'simply turned away' by marshals.

Mr Jackson said: "We've never missed a visit in the eight years we've been established, come storm, snow or even COVID. But despite being in contact with the Ironman organisers weeks in advance, my fabulous staff were prevented from reaching disabled clients in Crossways and Weymouth."

"Absolutely nothing was done to facilitate this or even communicate it to the marshals concerned, even though precise timings and locations were provided.”

Two of Mr Jackson's clients on Preston Road, Weymouth, did not receive the care they were expecting, while a further two in Crossways, one of whom is quadriplegic, received pain relief care two hours late.

Another client in Dorchester also received their care late as ‘there were no viable routes’ and the routes available were ‘convoluted and gridlocked’.

Kevin, who is a full-time wheelchair user in his fifties, with MS, also didn’t receive care via a different care provider.

His carer was unable to reach him in Buckland Newton, despite being issued with a pass to access the racecourse,

“Luckily my wife was at home to help me, but what about elderly and disabled people who didn’t have anyone to help them? They would be absolutely stuffed.

“Ironman need to sort themselves out really.”

After being contacted by the Echo, a spokesperson for Ironman, said: “To ensure athlete and resident safety, certain roads were closed to all traffic during Ironman 70.3 Weymouth on Sunday, September 17, with the exception of emergency vehicles.

“Ironman worked with local carers in the area in the weeks leading up to the race to ensure that they could access their locations in the fastest and safest way possible. Carers who were concerned were encouraged to call or email specific details set up for the race to arrange access to any properties affected by the road closures.

“Carers were advised to include as much detail about the care visit as possible (e.g. exact address and start and end locations) and access was discussed on a case by case basis to ensure individual needs were being met.

“The communication process to carers from Ironman started six weeks before the event to ensure they had the best possible access on the day. However, the direct email and phonelines remained contactable on race day for any last-minute questions or requests. More information was also available on our website.

“Pre-arranged carer movements are passed onto the stewards, however we understand that there may be some scenarios which aren’t planned and happen on race day, so we work with the stewards to ensure carers have the best and safest access.

“For such last-minute requests, delays can be caused depending on where the carers are and where they are trying to get to. This is due to the constant flow of athletes on the course, with safety at the forefront of logistical arrangements.”