A dip in Brightlingsea Lido is now more accessible to wheelchair users and mobility-restricted swimmers following the installation of a poolside hoist to help them in and out.
The hoist – and a wall-mounted, height adjustable adult changing bench in the Lido’s accessible changing room – have been paid for by an £11,000 grant from the Colchester Catalyst Charity and a further £1,000 from the Essex-based Fowler Smith and Jones Trust.
In 2018, Brightlingsea Town Council and Lido fundraisers paid for a ramp to be installed in the main entrance, along with an accessible changing room and handrails alongside the steps into the main pool.
Lido trustee and town mayor Mick Barry said: “We are conscious that there is still work to do on our access mission but proud that this small, community lido now sets exemplary standards for a range of disabled users. We are on track with our five year plan and we can say – for the first time in its history – that Brightlingsea Lido genuinely welcomes all. “
