A beach wheelchair scheme for West Bay is on course to launch in spring 2023.

The project, to make the beach more accessible to people with disabilities, has been gathering momentum since Bridport Town Council laid beach matting in August 2022.

Elaine Leader, who is leading the project, said: "The matting has already been well used by many people with disabilities and restricted mobility in wheelchairs and mobility scooters who have never been on the beach at West Bay before."

The scheme has already gained a significant amount of recognition and support from the local community.

The town council will be elevating it further by working in partnership with Dorset Council and Parkdean Resorts, which owns West Bay Holiday Park.

The team from Parkdean will play a vital role in facilitating free hire of the wheelchairs.

As part of the scheme, there will also be a wheelchair that can float in the sea and can be used in conjunction with a qualified swimming coach so that the carers do not necessarily need to be in the water.

Elaine said: "I’m so excited the beach wheelchair scheme is coming to fruition. It’s going to make an incredible difference to so many people with disabilities and restricted mobility to enable them to access the beach at West Bay.

"And I’m really grateful to everyone who has donated and supported this project.

"The Crowdfunder appeal has so far raised more than £2,500 towards the £10,000 target."

The Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ian Bark described the beach wheelchair scheme as 'a wonderful addition' to the facilities in West Bay, building on the success of the beach matting already provided, the fully accessible West Bay Play Area, and the two ‘Changing Places’ toilets that the town council expects to be installed in 2023. 

He said: "We’re incredibly grateful to Elaine Leader and other local volunteers for the drive and ambition they’ve brought to this initiative, as well as Parkdean Resorts and Dorset Council for their being the operational force behind this important and inclusive scheme, and to all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to the fundraising effort."

West Dorset Mencap Chairman Linda Simpson said the charity was delighted to offer significant financial support to fund the manufacture of a special platform which will enable those, who need a specific wheelchair and cannot transfer, to enjoy the beach and the sea.

Shaun Caesar, General Manager at West Bay Holiday Park, said: "We want West Beach to be a welcoming destination for all, and we envisage that these wheelchairs will help local people, tourists, schools and care homes to access and enjoy the beach."