Council receives funding for beach wheelchair kiosk in Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has received confirmation of funding to cover the costs of installing a wheelchair kiosk and all-access concrete table tennis tables at Gorleston Beach.
The finance will come from the EXPERIENCE project at Interreg Europe - an inter-regional co-operation programme, co-funded by the European Union. The European Union strives to reduce disparities in the levels of development, growth and quality of life across Europe's regions.
The existing shelter in Gorleston will be re-purposed and re-designed to include a self-service kiosk and secure housing for the beach wheelchair, as well as improving the overall look of the shelter and promenade.
An online booking will also be available, which will give wheelchair users a code to unlock the wheelchair.
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 will also be installed at the beach. The tables will be weatherproof, highly durable and require minimal maintenance. Both tables are free to use and will be 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 want people of all abilities and ages to enjoy the gorgeous beach in 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.
All the information about the hire of the beach wheelchair is available on the website.
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