Campaign for Brighton beach access for elderly

A campaign has been launched in Brighton to keep the Madeira Lift, which gives those with mobility difficulties access to the beach, open year round. The lift, which is open all summer, annually closes on the last weekend of September and a campaign has been launched to keep the lift open to give the elderly, parents with pushchairs and wheelchair users access to the beach during the winter months.

For Brighton residents who rely on seated stair lifts and similar aids around the home, access to the beach is near impossible without the lift in operation. Upon seeing many mobility-restricted visitors to the beach leave disappointed upon the discovery that the lift has been closed for the season, one resident has begun a petition for its permanent use.

What a difference

Upon seeing what a difference the lift makes to wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and the elderly who rely on home rise and recliner chairs, one Brighton resident has launched a petition on Change.org to keep the Madeira lift open throughout the winter. Operated by Concorde 2 on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council, it is hoped that the bodies involved may reconsider the seasonal running of this apparently instrumental service on the Brighton seafront.

In speaking of the petition the local resident in question said in this article, “I live opposite the lift, and I’ve seen the reactions when it is closed: many people with limited mobility are so disappointed that they can’t get down to the beach.”

In response, Concorde 2 director Russell Haynes, has said that he could be willing to discuss the matter with the council, however he could foresee issues surrounding such a busy venue as Brighton.

A spokesperson for the council has said that “A response to the petition will be provided at the relevant committee.”

To find out more about the petition and to register your vote click here.

Image Credit: Kevin Poh (flickr.com)

This content was written by Emily Bray. Please feel free to visit my Google + profile to read more stories.