BOSCOMBE beach could become a flagship attraction for wheelchair users, if ambitious plans to improve access for disabled people go ahead.

Seafront bosses and wheelchair users gathered at the Russell Cotes Museum on November 4 to look at ways of making life easier for visitors and residents who want to enjoy Bournemouth's facilities.

And a stretch of beach near Boscombe Pier emerged as the favourite spot for extra wheelchair-friendly measures to boost access.

Ramps down to the sand, more all-terrain wheelchairs, specially adapted beach huts with changing facilities, dropped kerbs all along the prom and improved parking bays could all be on the cards.

Richard Monaghan, from the Bournemouth Sports Forum for the Disabled, says he visits the seafront almost daily but encountered many problems getting about in his wheelchair.

"We have the best beaches in Britain and we should also have the best facilities for the disabled, but at the moment we do not," he said.

Borough councillor Angela Manton, who called the meeting, added: "I would love Bournemouth to become the beacon for everywhere else.

"It's wonderful that we've got places like the beach so close, but we need to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy them."

Cllr Manton decided to take action after a Bournemouth couple complained they were unable to use the beach.

David Triggs is paralysed from the waist down and is unable to transfer from his own wheelchair to one of the four specially-adapted chairs purchased by Bournemouth council this summer.

His wife, Ann, suggested boarded walkways could help make the beach more accessible, although concrete ramps may be safer in the long run.

Bournemouth council's business development manager Chris Saunders said many steps had already been taken to help improve access to seafront facilities such as disabled toilets and cliff lifts.

He is now going to check with council engineers about the feasibility of the measures proposed at the meeting.

Anyone who has any ideas or comments on how to improve access can call Cllr Manton on 01202 380827 or e-mail angela.manton@bournemouth.gov.uk.

First published: November 5