SOUTHEND seafront’s lagoon is no longer inaccessible to those with disabilities...thanks to a special seagoing wheelchair.

Dial Southend teamed up with local businesses to buy a Mobi-Chair, which can be wheeled across the sand and is designed to float in the sea.

Mark Abernethy, from Dial Southend, 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.”

Businesses which contributed to the puchase of the £1,500 chair for the lagoon at Three Shells Beach, include Greggs the bakers, Southend Airport and Shopmobility

Mr Abernethy said: “How Dial Southend and others worked together in the purchase shows that companies working with each other can help the community and help give back and make changes within our community.

“Southend Council will be displaying Dial Southend as a link for the Mobi-Chair on its website soon.”

Mr Abernethy added: “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.

“Every member of the community has a responsibility to each other and the environment that we live in, not just the people but the companies that operate within Southend. If we can work together in an ongoing support we can deal with the issues and the problems that Southend has and work together to overcome these”

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy welcomed the introduction of the Mobi-Chair at the lagoon.

She 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.”

Mobi-Chair provides a seamless transition from the beach to the water.

Wheelchair users, children and adults with special needs can benefit from the chair, allowing them access to the water which they otherwise might not have. The armrests and wheels are comprised of flotation materials that enable the chair to float.