Ryde Town Council has announced that it is working with a number of partners on a major project to enhance accessibility for all at Ryde Beach. Phase 1 of the project will see a boardwalk installed on the sand near the lifeguard station, as well as the purchase of sand and sea wheelchairs and walkers. A booking system will also be implemented for the equipment. Unlimited Island, an accessibility consulting community interest company, has actively supported the Town Council in grant applications, promoted initiatives across various media channels and has made substantial contributions during consultation events. Donations via Unlimited Island’s JustGiving page, combined with the generous contributions from the Isle of Wight Council, Visit Isle of Wight and Ryde Town Council, mean that the team are moving closer to achieving the 1st phase of the plans. It is planned that the boardwalk will be installed in the Spring each year and removed into storage in the Autumn. It’s hoped that funds will allow Phase 1 to be realised this coming Summer. Ryde Mayor Richard May says:
“Ryde Town Council are delighted to be working with a dedicated organisation like Unlimited Island on this incredibly important project. Their involvement has significantly elevated the project’s visibility and provided valuable insights from frontline users.”
Claire Walker, founder of the Island’s dedicated accessibility guide, Unlimited Island, adds:
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with Ryde Town Council and other key partners to finally make the beautiful beach in Ryde accessible to all. “The importance of having accessible beaches on the Island cannot be understated and I look forward to seeing the beach used by everybody in the near future and working on similar projects around the Island to really open it up to both residents and visitors alike. “The Island has great potential to be accessible in all areas and I’m proud to be a part of making this happen”.
A launch event will be held in the Spring to rally additional support from local businesses.
Shame they are not able to supply toilets to users of the beach west of the pier.
What beach? Personally, I think they should just use the money to reduce accessabiliy, rearm the sea batteries, and install hedgehogs, it would bring more money from tourism, and also help in the event that France decides to invade again.
they can’t do that ,it would be to dear,the councillors would not be able to get a new car out of it,!!!! In my opinion all the councils want to get is more money into their bank account & sod the rest of the
you !!!!
And how long before the benefit breeder’s feral offspring destroy all that?
Might be better if the council used the money where it is more needed ie. pot holes care services children services etc. and not waste our council tax on the beach
With the financial crisis, council tax payers need value from Ryde town council. Not higher bills.
Have we run out of things to waste our money again?, How about a new Cowes floating bridge?
Im sick of people complaining about lack of toilets.Just go in and buy a half pint in a pub or a coffee in a shop and use their facilities.Keeps small businesses going.
Why should people have to pay to go to the loo? Not everyone is loaded or has the time to sit around drinking pints and coffee’s in pubs and cafes… I am a mobile hairdresser; between customer’s it is beneficial to have free, clean and accessible public toilets. I pay council and every other tax under the sun! It’s really not too much to ask, is it?
Another waste of council money ,one board walk won’t make a difference..They need them every 10 or2 yards from Ryde harbour to Appley tower !!!!.
Look at the money spent on the Folly, then looks at the path that runs alongside it, in a terrible dangerous state, not fit for purpose, but of course a boardwalk will make it all fine.
About time!! Other countries have had boardwalks for decades! How is this even news?!! Laughable… Now sort beach toilets and water fountains…
As a wheelchair use I hope to make use of it. Accessibility on the island is generally terrible.
financial contributions through income tax and national insurance from those who claim to be disabled and subsequently cannot apparently do any paid work is also generally terrible. Why should able bodied, tax paying workers be expected to shoulder the costs of things like this.?
Hopefully the number of disabled parking spots will be increased to support the proposed facilities otherwise it will a wasted investment which would be a real shame
What the hell is a “sea wheelchair”? People don’t need a wheelchair in the sea because they float whether they are disabled or not!
Not very bright are you “Barry”