Council announces opening of new beach wheelchair kiosk in Gorleston

Thanks to funding from the EXPERIENCE project at Interreg Europe - an inter-regional co-operation programme co-funded by the European Union - the existing shelter in Gorleston has been re-purposed and re-designed to include a self-service kiosk and secure housing for the beach wheelchair.

Users can book the wheelchair for the day, completely free of charge, online and will then receive a code via email for the kiosk's Digi Lock. Bookings can be made on the ClubSpark website.

The wheelchairs have large pneumatic wheels which allow them to slide over the sand, giving people with limited mobility easy access to the beach without fear of damaging wheels or getting stuck in the sand.

Two outdoor concrete table tennis tables have also been installed at the beach. The tables are weatherproof, highly durable and require minimal maintenance. Both tables are free to use and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. People will need to bring their own bats and balls.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: "We have had a beach wheelchair available for hire in Great Yarmouth for many years, which has been hugely popular each summer, so we are excited to extend this free service to Gorleston.

"These beach-friendly wheelchairs allow those with mobility issues to do so along with the rest of their family and friends."

Please note that users must be able to transfer themselves from their usual wheelchair on to a beach wheelchair, because unfortunately there is not a hoist available. People to push the wheelchair are also required because it is difficult for chair users to handle the wheels in the usual way. The chairs are supplied with a chest strap but do not have a head support. The maximum weight of users of the chair is 18 stone (252 lbs/114kg). Children should be at least three-feet tall (92cm) to fit in the chair.