People were delighted by an investment from a local council that is allowing those with mobility and other disabilities to visit the beach for the first time.
Wirral Council have recently invested in new beach-accessible wheelchairs that will allow those whose disabilities would previously prevent them from going onto the sand to get the full seaside experience. There are six of the wheelchairs in total, based at New Brighton's Floral Pavilion and the Wirral Watersports Centre in West Kirby, and all of them can be booked for free.
The council posted a video on Facebook showing a delighted group of disabled or mobility-restricted people using the wheelchairs. The video received a round of applause, with many people chiming in on how the new wheelchairs could give their friends and relatives an experience that was so difficult before.
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Kelly, a parent to a child with mobility issues commented: "Thank you so much [Wirral Council], it's been a long time since my son William could go on the beach."
Craig, another person from the area said: "Amazing that. It's about time too, people with disabilities shouldn't miss out on anything."
Cath, a mum from Birkenhead, said: "Love it, well done to all involved to get this done. Well done."
There are three different types of beach accessible chairs. One type is electric powered, and the two others are both manual, push driven chairs. The chairs are the product of a partnership between Wirral Council and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Cllr Yvonne Nolan, Chair of the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: “We know that this is something which many people have been asking about for some time, so it is great that we have been able to provide the funding to not only purchase the equipment, but to also make them free to hire.
“This specialist equipment will give access to the beach and to the water for people who had previously been denied it due to their disability or mobility issues and their use will bring so much enjoyment.”
The wheelchairs can be booked by both residents and visitors on the Floral Pavilion website or the Wirral Leisure booking system.
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