SOUTHEND seafront is now more accessible to disabled visitors thanks to a local charity.

Dial Southend, in partnership with a host of businesses, purchased a Mobi-Chair worth about £1,500 for Southend’s £1.9million Three Shells Lagoon.

The floating wheelchair, which can also be wheeled over sand, was handed over on Friday.

Mark Abernethy, from Dial, which provides transport for the elderly, said: “We are the second in the country to have purchased one of these specialist designed wheelchairs, this can be used at the beach and also can float on water.

“This is a big game changer for the disabled in the community but also helping to bring more tourism to Southend. For a family with a child who is disabled having access to a chair of this specification will bring disabled families back to the beach and into the water. This will also help bring money into the community.”

Local businesses involved in the scheme were Greggs, Shopmobility and Southend Airport.

Mr Abernethy said: “Dial Southend and others worked together in the purchase. It shows that companies coming together working with each other we can help the community and help give back and make changes within our community. Also Southend Government will be displaying Dial Southend as a link for the Mobi-Chair on their website soon.

“Our mission is to survey more of the beaches and give greater access to the beaches for the disabled of the community and also helping to make Southend a more accessible place for the disabled. In doing this we hope that we can help with bringing tourism and money into the area.”

Mr Abernethy added: “ Every member of the community has a responsibility to each other and the environment that we live. If we can work together in an ongoing support we can deal with the issues that Southend has.”

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy in Southend, said: “Making our town’s beautiful beaches and open spaces open to all is high priority for the Council, so I’d like to thank Dial Southend and everyone who kindly donated money to purchase the Mobi-Chair for our popular seafront lagoon.”