Campaigners aim for better Porty beach access

A CAMPAIGN to improve disabled access to Portobello beach has been launched.

The project is aimed at visitors and locals and proposes new wheelchair pathways across the sand and down to the sea.

Portobello artist Morag Edward is spearheading the project.

She claims the idea has already gathered a great deal of support both locally and across Scotland. She said: "Access to Portobello beach is mostly down steep ramps or steps from the prom, and these can act as barriers for many visitors.

"There is one entrance suitable for unassisted wheelchair access at the Joppa end of the mile-long sea wall, but it ends in the impassable terrain of soft sand.

"So this project isn't simply about resurfacing ramps and altering them to a more gentle gradient, but the need to continue access right across the sand and down to the water, with all-ability pathways or non-slip boardwalks."

Campaigners for better access are currently working on funding and designs for the project, and it is hoped that trial pathways can be in place in the area by the end of the year.