A new scheme from Exmouth Town Council allows people to hire a Beach Wheelchair this summer.

The Beach Wheelchair Project is an initiative from Exmouth Town Council and aims to provide disabled people with greater access to the beach through the provision of specially adapted, all-terrain wheelchairs which will be hired out free of charge from the new premises on Queen’s Drive.

The eco-friendly storage unit has now been completed and has been fitted with a wheelchair ramp, solar panels for electricity and collects rainwater to wash off the wheelchairs after they have been used.

It contains eight wheelchairs and an electric hoist. Standard wheelchairs and a walking aid are also available to hire. The project was under development for nearly three years and was opened last year.

The project has been funded through community donations raised via a Crowdfunder appeal set up by Councillor Pauline Stott, who initially conceived and championed the project, with match-funding from Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council, Devon County Council, The Norman Family Trust, South West Water and the Freemasons of Exmouth. Wheelchairs have also been donated by the Devon Super Team and The Claire Milne Trust.

Bookings are now open at exmouth.gov.uk/book-a-beach-wheelchair.