Friday, 15 February 2013

Countryside Mobility. The South West’s Beauty Spots Now Open to All.

The Countryside Mobility scheme, run by Devon charity Living Options Devon, is working to make the South West a truly ‘accessible’ tourism destination by improving access to the countryside for people with limited mobility. Based on the principle of urban Shopmobility schemes, ‘Tramper’ all-terrain mobility scooters and wheelchair accessible ‘Wheelyboats’ are now available for hire at more than 30 countryside locations across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset with more to follow. James Maben, Countryside Mobility Project Manager said: “with such a varied selection of sites now involved, people with limited mobility have some fantastic opportunities to get out and explore the region.” “There is something for everyone – from wild Exmoor moorland to peaceful country parks and beautiful sections of the South West Coast Path.” “Feedback from people using the Trampers has been excellent and a number of our members have told us they planned a holiday in the region specifically as a result of the scheme being set up. This clearly demonstrates how the scheme is helping to make the south west a truly accessible visitor destination and I hope we can develop more partnerships within the tourism industry to improve accessibility at more visitor attractions.” The scheme has been supported with a grant from Natural England as part of its Access to Nature programme, funded from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme. To hire Trampers people need to join the Countryside Mobility membership scheme which is £10.00 per year or £2.50 for 4 weeks. Becoming a member means people receive proper training in how to use the equipment safely and includes use of all Tramper sites in the South West. The equipment can be used by anyone who has a permanent or temporary mobility impairment that makes walking difficult. People do not have to be registered as disabled or have a Blue Badge. 
Full details about the scheme, the sites, and how to become a member can be found on the website www.countrysidemobility.org or by telephoning 01392 459222.
TRAMPER
Nevil_Tramper_4_small
 WHEELYBOAT
WheelyBoat

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