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Wheelchairs and scooters help with coastal access

Eleanor MaslinEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageLincolnshire County Council A woman with brown hair is sitting in a blue beach wheelchair, with a sandy beach, the sea and a promenade seen behind her. She is wearing a purple cardigan and a black dress.Lincolnshire County Council
Gemma Bateman said the move was "life changing" for her

More beach wheelchairs and all-terrain scooters have been introduced in Lincolnshire to give people better access to beaches and coastal paths.

They are available at Ingoldmells, Chapel Point, Mablethorpe and Sandilands, and there is also now a scooter at Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve.

They have been loaned by charity Beach Ability Lincolnshire.

Gemma Bateman, who has Ethlers-Danlos syndrome, said the equipment had "opened up the beach for me in such an amazing way".

"Being able to get my children on the beach, have picnics and not have to just stay on the promenade is life changing," she said.

Safety fencing is being put across the salt marsh so people with mobility needs can enjoy the views, and sand is being removed from the King Charles III England Coast Path between Skegness and Mablethorpe.

News imageLincolnshire County Council A man wearing a cap, a black gillet and a yellow top is holding a dog lead, with a dog just out of the picture. The man is smiling and looking out at a beach and the sea. Next to him is a woman in a fluffy brown coat and a purple hat riding a silver scooter. She is looking out to sea and smiling, too.Lincolnshire County Council
Mark and Mandy Pemberthy are benefiting from the boost to accessibility

Mandy Pemberthy, who has cerebellar ataxia and ME, moved from Kent to Anderby with her husband Mark when she discovered the accessibility of the area.

"When you have conditions like the ones I am dealing with, your mental health is affected badly and it can be a real struggle - but being able to get by the sea again is an amazing boost and it really makes a difference to be able to do that on this equipment," she said.

Her husband added: "The thing that nobody talks about is the benefit to those who support and care for the people with limited access.

"Something like this is terrific and means that Mandy and I can both get to the beach for a much needed lift."

News imageLincolnshire County Council A head and shoulders shot of a man with grey hair and black rectangular glasses and a short beard and moustache smiling at the camera. He is wearing a red fleece. There is a large information board behind him.Lincolnshire County Council
David Rodger, from Lincolnshire County Council, co-ordinated the arrival of the new equipment

Lincolnshire County Council officer David Rodger said: "These projects add to the services already provided by Beach Ability Lincolnshire so all sections of the community are covered, and the coast path can be used by as many people as possible."

The charity's equipment is free to use, although advance booking is required.

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