A woman has accused a supermarket of discrimination after being told there were no disabled trolleys available for her husband.

Ann Draper and husband Brian claim their shopping trip to Asda, in Kimberly Way, Ashford, turned sour when a member of staff told them the store had got rid of the specially adapted trolleys for health and safety reasons.

But the supermarket giant now says they had not been taken away – they had been stolen.

Ann, 56, is a full-time carer for husband Brian, 59, who suffers from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

She said: “We knew the health and safety reason was rubbish as we went straight to Tesco and got a trolley with no problems.

“We think it is because they have squeezed so many self-service tills in their shop, they no longer have the space for disabled trolleys so just got rid of them.

“I don’t believe they were stolen. Who would steal a disabled trolley? We’ve been using the store less and less because there’s only one till a disabled trolley can fit down properly and it’s never open or manned.

“I find it really annoying that you are spending money in the shop but they do not want to help you. They have obviously dumped them and now realised they can’t get away with not having them. It is a clear-cut case of discrimination against disabled people.”

The pair had gone to Asda on Saturday evening but say they soon left in disgust when they were told the store no longer had the specially adapted trolleys.

But an Asda spokesman said it was not a deliberate move to get rid of them and claims all the disabled trolleys had all been stolen.

She said: “Two trolleys were taken at the same time about a week ago and this was reported. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We have ordered new trolleys, which will be delivered shortly.

“In the meantime, if anyone does need assistance with their shopping, one of our colleagues will be more than happy to help. We also have electric scooters available in store for customers.”