UK beach to improve disability access

From South Devon Herald Express in the UK:

Work is underway on £70,000 of improvements to a Paignton beach (pictured).

Torbay Council says the new £33,500 beach headquarters will offer a valuable service to visitors.

A £38,000 Government-funded ramp onto the beach from the prom will also improve access for the disabled.

The council says the new staff office will enhance the seafront and replace the old one, which has fallen into disrepair.

The council says the existing building on Paignton Green is around 65 years old.


A spokesman said: "Residents say they remember it being there at the end of the war but not before.

"The original timber structure has suffered from the extremes of coastal weather and wet winters.

"The wooden building is now past the point of repair."

The new office will house a replacement for the first aid station, which has provided aid to generations of beachgoers: from stubbed toes and sunburn to heart attacks.

It will also provide storage space, a base for the seasonal beach team, and an office for the permanent beach manager.

Work is expected to be completed in February, subject to weather conditions.

Beaches councillor Dave Butt said: "This is one of Torbay's most popular beaches and this new beach office will be a welcome improvement to the current structure, which urgently needs repairing.

"The new office will also face the sea. The original faced inland, which makes you question for what the old building was originally designed?

"This, combined with a newly constructed ramp, will enhance the area and enable even more people to enjoy the beach and surrounding area."

The new ramp down to the beach from the promenade has almost been completed.

This will help wheelchair users, people with pushchairs and the less able to access the beach more easily, avoiding the steps.

The cost of the £38,500 ramp comes from Government funding specifically for disabled access.

Beach wheelchairs will be available during the summer season, which will allow access across the beach, even on soft sand.