A new wooden boardwalk is being installed to improve access to Viking Bay from Broadstairs Harbour car park.
The project is being funded by Broadstairs Town Council and the installation is being managed by Thanet District Council officers.
The boardwalk will be wider than the existing installation to allow pedestrians to pass each other and for better access for people with disabilities. It is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services, said: “It is important to us that our beaches are accessible to as many people as possible. This upgraded boardwalk is a very welcome addition to Viking Bay, and will mean that many more residents and visitors can enjoy time on the sand.”
A spokesperson from Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council said: “Improved accessibility in Broadstairs and St Peter’s, especially at Viking Bay, has been a priority of the Town Council for some time. We are delighted to be able to bring the first project to fruition by means of partnership working with Thanet District Council.”
Southern Water has given £25,000 for the work, in recognition of water quality issues experienced in the district.
In addition, Beach within Reach – a scheme operated by Your Leisure that has specially designed all-terrain wheelchairs – will be available at Minnis Bay, Birchington; St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate; Westbrook Bay, Margate; Stone Bay and Viking Bay in Broadstairs.
For more information on Beach within Reach, email [email protected] or call 03333 660661.
we need boardwalks over the broken pavements and potholes first i think
Just need to get the lift open again ! It’s awaiting a safety test according to the sign on the gate .
Ramsgate would like a boardwalk too please!
Ramsgate is rather conspicuous by its absence in the article.
That’s because this project, for once, is in Broadstairs.
We don’t get £22 million plus of government money like Ramsgate and Margate.
Thi money is a share of £100,000 from Southern Water. Ramsgate got the lions share of this too.
From the TDC website
‘A decision has now been made about how a payment of £100,000 from Southern Water, received in recognition of water quality issues experienced in the district, could be allocated.
The proposed projects and allocated amounts are as follows:
Ramsgate lift restoration – £50,000 grant to Ramsgate Town Council
Disabled beach access at Viking Bay – £25,000
Tidal pool repairs at Minnis Bay – £14,500
Iron gate for Margate Clock Tower – £500
Coastal shelter improvements at Westbrook and Palm Bay – £10,000’
I stand corrected. Thank you for filling in the gaps
I don’t know what a boardwalk at Ramsgate would add to disabled access.
There’s already a Promenade that runs from Pier Yard carpark, past the toilets and Spoons, along to the tunnels and beyond, with several access rails from the Prom down to the sand.
Some fat tyred wheelchair things to borrow would be good.
“ramps” not “rails”
well perhaps if you all put your money into a project like this instead of trying to stop the airport you to might get more people on the beach with better access.
Ramsgate needs it lift fix and working
Why? What function does it serve, other than a tourist attraction?
What function does a lift serve?
Oh gee… I don’t know.
Andrew isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Yes, it goes up and down. But why does “Ramsgate needs it lift fix and working”?
According to Ruth Bailey’s Post (above) a £50,000 donation has been given towards repair of the lift.
But who does it serve, other than tourists?
Erm, the frail and disabled, though I would’ve thought even you could’ve worked that one out for yourself.
Both lifts!
Why ? Ramsgate’s main beach can be reached by bus from Wellington Crescent, and Wellington Crescent can be reached by bus from the stop opposite the harbour. There is a flat esplanade along the seafront from the harbour to Winterstoke . As for the Westcliff lifts, one is now privately owned.
Buses cost money and aren’t there for immediate use. Hardly fair to the disabled.
A good point, Ms Rees.
The Loop bus serves both Wellington Crescent, runs daily and frequently, and uses accessible low floor buses with wheelchair spaces.
Even better, disabled people are entitled to a free bus pass.
Not people with temporary disabilities (i.e. a broken leg, twisted ankle).
I think that the £50,000 should be spent on dropped kerbs instead.
And when is the popular Margate main sands getting it’s boardwalk so the disabled can access the beach? Not heard anything on this yet !
Wonderful news!