Easy Access Routes for St Ives
Steve from Cornwall Rolling Ramblers met with Jo Mayes back in June to see whether easy access routes could be started, in order to support and encourage people with mobility issues to visit and enjoy St Ives. Many people find that uncertainty about accessibility can put them off trying to access the town.
Steve found a good route in to town from the train station, by turning left from the station and going under the bridge, below the station, which brought us out above Porthminster Beach. Unfortunately, he found that the gradient and camber of the slope to the beach beside the Porthminster Beach Cafe was too difficult to go down safely, which is currently suggested as one access point for the beach Sand Chair. We also found that there was a similar situation at the other end of the beach, with the added difficulty of deep drainage channels which were impossible for Steve to cross unaided in an electric wheelchair (fortunately Steve had a PA with him).
On the other hand, we found the route into the harbour to be good and we were able to find ways around the town (although not along the cobbles, which are difficult for many mobility scooter/wheelchair users).
We discussed the possibility of a Shop Mobility scheme which might be able to provide a suitable mobility scooter or powered chair solution to support those who wish to travel along the whole of Fore Street. This conversation has been started with members of the Town Council and will be continued when we have more time after the performance at the September Festival has been completed.
Steve found a good route in to town from the train station, by turning left from the station and going under the bridge, below the station, which brought us out above Porthminster Beach. Unfortunately, he found that the gradient and camber of the slope to the beach beside the Porthminster Beach Cafe was too difficult to go down safely, which is currently suggested as one access point for the beach Sand Chair. We also found that there was a similar situation at the other end of the beach, with the added difficulty of deep drainage channels which were impossible for Steve to cross unaided in an electric wheelchair (fortunately Steve had a PA with him).
On the other hand, we found the route into the harbour to be good and we were able to find ways around the town (although not along the cobbles, which are difficult for many mobility scooter/wheelchair users).
We discussed the possibility of a Shop Mobility scheme which might be able to provide a suitable mobility scooter or powered chair solution to support those who wish to travel along the whole of Fore Street. This conversation has been started with members of the Town Council and will be continued when we have more time after the performance at the September Festival has been completed.
Visitors to St Ives negotiating their way around the cobbles in Fore Street.
