New boardwalk for beach wheelchairs opens at Seton Sands

Local children, Murray and Sophie Scott with the help from their parents, cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the new wheelchair accessible boardwalk at Seton Sands. Local stonemason and artist Gardner Malloy donated a commemorative stone at the entrance to the ramp which names the boardwalk in memory of James Lewis. A child’s beach wheelchair is now available for loan from Haven Holiday Village to access the beach at Seton Sands, which was partly funded by a generous donation from local resident Marlene Love in memory of her nephew James Lewis. The child’s beach wheelchair can be used by both customers of the Haven site and local residents.

A large crowd gathered at the beach and local fundraiser Scott Glynn announced that the Walk Scott Foundation will fund an adult’s beach wheelchair to be based at Seton Sands.

Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership allocated funding to build the boardwalk which is in walking distance of the holiday park on Links Road. Landscaping is underway and the area now has a wheelchair friendly picnic table, seating and planters.

Beach Wheelchairs has supported the project sharing their knowledge and expertise with Haven staff to manage the bookings at the holiday park. Haven has purchased a secure storage container for the beach wheelchair and has made staff available for training and bookings.

A spokesperson for Haven said “Haven Seton Sands is delighted to support this fantastic project which will provide children with disabilities with an opportunity to experience the wonderful beach here. We look forward to welcoming the local community and Haven guests alike.”

North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership Manager Sandra King addeid: The Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership is so pleased that a Beach Wheelchair is available at Seton Sands and the newly installed ‘ Boardwalk’ will help people access the beach more easily. This will make a trip to the beach a really positive experience for families both living in and visiting the area. It has been great working with such a vibrant community which has pulled together to make this happen.”

If you want to find out more about hiring or borrowing a beach wheelchair phone 0300 111 2112.  Beach Wheelchairs www.beachwheelchairs.org.uk or find on Facebook.