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Two wheelchair users have helped launch a scheme designed to make Whitstable beach more accessible to disabled people.
The trial that launched today will see two all-terrain wheelchairs available free of charge to town residents and visitors with mobility issues, who would otherwise be unable to access the waterfront.
It is being run by Thanet-based charity Beach Within Reach - which provides special wheelchairs to beaches and countryside around Margate and Broadstairs - in partnership with Canterbury City Council.
The trial has been organised by town residents and disability campaigners Craig Potter and Rory Heap.
Mr Potter, who uses a wheelchair full-time, said: “Though this is, for now, only a pilot scheme, I am really looking forward to literally being able to dip my toes in the water of my home town for the first time!”
Mr Heap says he feels the launch is a positive step in the town's journey to becoming more wheelchair-friendly.
He said: “Together with the Changing Places accessible toilet at the harbour, I really think the tide is turning for accessibility in Whitstable.”
Whitstable Harbour Board chairman Cllr Pat Todd said: “This is a great initiative and one the harbour board was very keen to support.
"Craig and Rory have shown real passion and we’ll be doing everything we can to ensure the trial is a success.”
The wheelchairs will be available from the council's Whitstable Harbour office, from which they can be pre-booked between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, until August 30.
The Beach Within Reach wheelchairs are not powered or self-propelling. Anyone wishing to use them is advised they will need to have someone with them, and be able to transfer into the beach wheelchairs.
Advance booking is required and people will have to complete release forms and leave some items, such as their own chair, at the harbour office while using the beach wheelchair.
Enquiries and bookings can be made by calling the Harbour Office on 01227 274086 or by emailing whitstable.harbour@canterbury.gov.uk.
