New beach wheelchair added to fleet

The club has added a beach wheelchair to the fleet, which allows disabled people access to Fleetwood’s beach.

The Rotarians are so impressed by the scheme that they hope to run a similar project from Blackpool beach in the future.

Terry Harrison, president of Blackpool Palatine Rotary, said: “The chair was purchased by Palatine and will be used by the Fleetwood Beach Wheelchair scheme.

“This chair will help disabled people to enjoy going on the beach with their families.

“This is an excellent project at Fleetwood beach and Palatine is exploring the possibilities of running a similar project on Blackpool beach.

“Blackpool Palatine members are part of the Fleetwood Beach Wheelchair volunteers,and will resume when lockdown is relaxed.”

Fleewood Beach Wheelchair is a free service which is operated by 36 volunteers from a venue opposite the Mount Hotel on the promenade.

Blackpool Palatine Rotary bought the EZ Roller wheelchair, which can be adapted to float, at a cost of £1,420.

Terry added: “Watching the young and old alike enjoy the delights of the beach are a reward in itself.

“People who have never previously been able to go on to the sand because their wheelchairs aren’t suitable, have now thoroughly enjoyed family time on the beach.

“People can appreciate the joys of going on the beach.

“Bookings last year were coming from all over Lancashire so here’s hoping we have a wonderful summer ahead.”

The scheme has been supported by Wyre Council, Fleetwood Town Council, Fleetwood Rotary and Blackpool Palatine Rotary , Healthier Fleetwood and Active Lancashire.

Mick Gray, chairman of Fleetwood Beach Wheelchair, said the service would be back up and running as soon as coronavirus restrictions are lifted to allow it to operate.

He said: “Our aim was to have seven chairs within three years. But with this tremendous gift, it takes us to six chairs with another on the way so we have achieved that within one year.

“It’s wonderful. We have had adults and children who have been on the beach for the first time because of the beach wheelchairs.”

For enquiries, call 03000 111 003.

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