Businesses Support The Ryde Accessible Beach Project

The possibility of a seaside for everyone moved closer thanks to yesterday’s Ryde Beach Accessibility Partnership event.

Businesses from across the Isle of Wight and the region came together to hear the latest developments with the project and witness first-hand how some of the construction materials will work.

Ryde Town Council Projects Officer Annette Johansson-Steed explained:

“We have already tested the first section of the planned boardwalk successfully and we wanted to share and show our partners how this first milestone has exceeded expectations.

"A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who contributed to this achievement – from the skilled construction crew at NaShers to the incredible support of our community members who have been with us every step of the journey.

"At the same time our Crowdfunding page has reached an incredible £6,002 from 29 supporters so far, however we are still some way off reaching our target and I am delighted to say this event also encouraged more donations.”

Guests were hosted in the Solent Views meeting facility at Hovertravel’s Ryde terminal with light refreshments provided by Grace’s Bakery and Mermaid Gin.

After hearing about the impact this new level of accessibility will bring from the project’s ambassadors, there was a trip on the hovercraft around to the beach to see the boardwalk in action.

To kick-start the next push to reaching the fund-raising target of £25,000 Hovertravel donated a private hovercraft charter with an auction value of £5,000.

Neil Chapman, Hovertravel’s MD, added:

“We know access to the beach and the seaside is something many of us take for granted but the reality is that many of our beaches are difficult or impossible for some people to reach and our belief is that the seaside should be for everyone.

"By auctioning a private hovercraft charter we can raise a substantial amount for this very worthy project.”

For more details visit the project’s Crowdfunding page.