Disabled parishioners at Kingston’s foremost church could lose out if a town centre street is pedestrianised, its vicar has warned.

Rev Jonathan Wilkes said All Saints Church faces losing its “lifeblood of communication” if traffic is removed from MemorialSquare.

Mr Wilkes’ remarks came after consultants aiming to revitalise the Ancient Market Place warned the square was cluttered by cars.

The council is now considering removing the vehicles, putting eight disabled parking bays at risk and cutting off access the church needs for deliveries and concertgoers.

Mr Wilkes said: “I think walking through Memorial Square when a lot of cars are coming can feel a bit cluttered and stressful, so I think reducing the number of cars can be a good idea.

“But we need to be able to get disabled people to church, and if all access is cut, that’s our access point.

“My main concern is about disabled people being able to come in, and making sure the vehicles can access the church, which is needed.”

Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock said having cars driving between the pedestrianised areas in the Market Place and Clarence Street was anomalous.

She said: “I think it’s quite dangerous because you have got people coming off Clarence Street walking, thinking it’s pedestrianised, and then all of a sudden you come across cars.”

The council pointed to eight alternative sites with parking within five minute walk, and there would be a consultation about any plans.

Theo Harris, chief executive officer at the Kingston centre for independent living (KCIL), said blue badge holders already had problems finding town centre parking spaces.

She said: “It would be bad to lose these spaces, and KCIL would not support it.”