W.Ave Arts is a non-profit organisation that predominantly brings free accessible art, working with and for our community to make it a better place for the next generation.
It wasn’t until we saw a post on Facebook by Patrick Stappleton and consequently Sammy Taylor of Seaford regarding disability access to his local beach that we wanted to investigate extending the current offer to our community. In a paper release, Sammy asked ‘Don’t we all have the right to access and enjoy the beach?’ and our answer was a firm YES.
Just because we have a pebbled beach does not mean this isn’t possible. Seaford is a shingle beach and they’ve done it. So why can’t Bexhill? This will impact the lives of many.
Unfortunately, we live in a world that is designed mostly by people who think everyone is the same. It is not the individuals impairment that is disabling, it is society. Thus, it is society that should be ensuring that everyone has the right to enjoy all facilities without discrimination. So let’s design public spaces for all. In this case, so that everyone can enjoy and access the beach, whether with loved ones, friends or independently.
We will be working alongside Sammy Taylor, Terry Byrne , RDC and Bexhill Chamber of Commerce to recreate Sammy’s successful project in Bexhill which has been tried and proven by users in Seaford for the last 2 years. The project will have 2 major phases, firstly it will involve a permanent C40 strength concrete made ramp. Secondly interlocking mats would be placed down, these will be removable and will need to be stored and laid yearly. Suggested April – October.
We have seen a few posts pop up so we wanted you to have the right information here:
No, the mats are not permanently fixed due to the pebbles movements every year -this has been taken into consideration. Yes, this is going before the Council in July for discussion. Yes, the ramp is a permanent concrete fixture. Yes, this is currently the best option that we can supply due to the movement of the pebbles, research has been thorough. Yes, we are looking at all terrain wheel chairs but this will be in another phase yet to come. No, we have not been promised funding but RDC are looking into options and are working very hard in this area. Yes, we are looking into easy access to this area by way of disabled parking directly in front of ramp.
Will this impact you, a relative or friend in a positive way? let us know
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