Following a successful trial in Seaton, beaches across East Devon will now benefit from matting which will allow wheelchair users and those with push chairs and other mobility aids to access the beach.

The scheme was trialled at Seaton and Beer beaches over the last three summers and is now permanently used in Beer all year around, as well as being extended across Seaton beach and at Sidmouth Town Beach and Budleigh Salterton Beach.

 

The matting creates a smooth path across the pebbles or shingle to make it easier for beach goers using mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushchairs, walking sticks and other mobility aids to access the beach. Each of the beaches in the scheme has around 200 square meters of matting, which is made from recycled materials and have been installed depending on user needs, the shape of the beach and the size of the available area.

 

While it is now in place all year round in Beer, it will be used during the summer months in Seaton, Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth and will be stored through the winter from September until May.

 

The project was funded by East Devon District Council, Budleigh Town Council, Sidmouth Town Council, East Devon National Landscape Access for All Fund, and East Devon District Council’s sustainable tourism programme. The project also aligns with the local tourism strategy which encourages growth through commitment to quality, sustainability, accessibility and collaboration. A core value of the strategy is to provide the same quality experience to all visitors and residents of all abilities, so that everyone can enjoy the area’s outstanding natural environment.