A community interest group that works with people with disabilities is hoping to raise £36,000 to make its new site in Folkestone more accessible.

So far, Shepway Spectrum Arts has raised just over half of what it needs after a pledge of £18,000 from Kent County Council which will go towards installing stair lifts, ramps, and widening doorways at Edmonton House in Park Farm Industrial Estate.

During lockdown, demand for services grew so much, volunteers at the group started looking for a new location and in October 2020, it moved from Folkestone Baptist Church in Hill Road, to the new site.

It now has more space to facilitate art activities, an ICT room and a large music room downstairs.

But its lack of disability features means some services, such as the sensory room upstairs, are cut off to some members with additional access needs.

Director Georgina Cartledge hopes people will get behind the fundraiser, adding: "This building was the answer to our prayers.

"We've now got outside space with a trampoline and a disabled swing and we're going to create some raised flower beds for people to get into outdoor activities.

"We couldn’t have had anything like that before.

"The only issue is that it has no disabled facilities like accessible toilets, stair lifts, ramps and we have been putting up security fencing so there is a lot to do."

The community interest group - which specialises in music therapy - started in Chichester Hall in Sandgate in 2015 before moving to Sunflower House and then the baptist church.

It provides space and specialist equipment for members to explore sounds and arts alongside volunteers.

From 10am to 4pm everyday there are also different supported living groups and members can also get involved with its radio station, SAB Broadcast.

The vital upgrades means volunteers will be able to increase the number of adults its services are available to while helping them gain life skills, improve communication, build confidence and self-esteem.

If any money is leftover from the fundraiser, it will go toward the construction of a log cabin to give a wide open space for group activities.

To donate, click here.