New free-to-use beach wheelchairs will soon be available on Exmouth seafront after planning permission was recently granted by East Devon District Council.

There will be a dedicated storage facility for the specially adapted, all-terrain wheelchairs on Queen's Drive, and it's expected to be built and fitted out in the next two weeks.

Exmouth Town Council hopes to be able to have the whole project ready to go by the beginning of August.

The wheelchairs are being funded by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, the Clare Milne Trust, and Devon Super Team.

Councillor Pauline Stott, who came up with the scheme for Exmouth initially, has managed to raise funds for the project via Crowdfunder and matched funding from Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council, Devon County Council, The Norman Family Trust, and the Freemasons of Exmouth.

She said: "My ambition with this project has always been to enable as many people as possible to go to the beach with their families and friends, regardless of disability.

"Just imagine being in a position where you can see our wonderful beach but you are not able to go on it yourself…

"Well, hopefully, with Exmouth Town Council behind the project, everyone will soon have access and the project will succeed for many years to come."

Volunteers are needed to help run the project - if you'd like to take part, email [email protected]

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