Plans to make Groomsport beach in Co Down wheelchair accessible have been given a major boost with funding of over £68,000.

Sport NI awarded the funds, enabling the access slope on to the beach to be regraded and upgrades to be delivered on the existing toilet block.

The toilet block will include a 'Changing Places' toilet facility which will allow people with disabilities, in particular, those with higher levels of personal care needs to access hoisting and height adjustable bench facilities. There will also be a storage area to house beach friendly wheelchairs and rollators.

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These works will make Groomsport the first wheelchair accessible beach in Ards and North Down.

Jayne Moore, Capital Sports Development Officer, Sport NI said: "Sport NI is delighted to be funding this project which was identified as a result of Ards and North Down Borough Council's Community Planning process. The project will provide access from the public car park to upgraded changing and toilet facilities. We look forward to seeing these new facilities help more people in the Ards and North Down area get active, get involved and engage in both structured physical activities and events, as well as enjoy days out with their families or carers."

Ards and North Down Borough Council and Sport NI have been working alongside the Mae Murray Foundation to develop this project and will be agreeing operating procedures over the coming weeks.  

(CM/JG)