TWO NEW WHEELCHAIR PATHS FOR HAYLING
- Tue 24th Oct 2006
Two new paths suitable for wheelchairs have recently been laid; both lead to fantastic views over Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The new paths are at Sandy Point and North Common. North Common, owned by Havant Borough Council, is tucked away in the village of Northney at the top of Hayling Island making it easily accessible for people who live either on or off the Island. From a small car park area the 600m path takes in fine views across to Langstone and further round to Emsworth. The path has been laid with Fittleworth stone to keep a natural look. At low tide this is a good area to see some of the thousands of birds that visit Chichester Harbour through the year. The newly surfaced section finishes at a point with a bench on which to rest and enjoy the views. From the car park access to the path is either through a box gate, or by a five-bar gate which can be unlocked with a RADAR key.
A shorter path, 250m, has been put in at Sandy Point, on the southeastern tip of Hayling Island. This path runs in front of the RNLI station and ends at the perfect viewing point for watching the sailing activity that takes place at the harbour entrance. Looking north are wide views across the bowl of The Winner and up to the South Downs. Parking for blue badge holders has been kindly arranged by Hayling Island Sailing Club. To get a parking permit please contact the Club on 023 9246 3768.
These two new paths have been put in by Chichester Harbour Conservancy with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Hampshire County Council. Four other wheelchair paths are already in a place in the AONB and a further one is being constructed at Dell Quay. The nature of the harbour footpath network makes much of it only accessible to the able bodied. However, through the Rhythms of the Tide HLF project that is nearing completion, the Conservancy have developed a number of opportunities for the less able to be able to get out and enjoy the AONB. Further information is available online at www.conservancy.co.uk/out/disabled.asp.
By forum user, HIbot
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