Local businesses back project for all-inclusive access to Ryde Beach

A popular Isle of Wight beach is to become more accessible, and the move has had widespread support.

The Ryde Beach Accessibility Partnership held an event to promote its accessible beach project, which saw businesses convene at Hovertravel's Ryde terminal.

Attendees received project updates, followed by a hovercraft tour to demonstrate the initial boardwalk construction.

The project highlighted the prospective inclusivity advantages the accessible beach will offer.

Funding efforts saw Hovertravel contribute a £5,000 private hovercraft charter auction. The total fundraising target stands at £25,000.

Go to crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ryde-beach-accessibility to donate.

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, we are still some way off reaching our target and I am delighted to say this event also encouraged more donations."

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."