Council invests in accessible mooring improvements

The project aim is to "enhance the whole riverside as an attractive destination"

A council has invested more than £200,000 towards creating accessible moorings by the River Thames.

South Oxfordshire District Council said the money was for "major" improvements at the riverside in Wallingford, including upgrades to the existing access path and the installation of an accessible pontoon.

The council said the changes were designed to provide step-free easy access to "all types of river craft".

Work is anticipated to start on 27 September and run for about 12 weeks, subject to weather conditions.

The refurbishments follow a £400,000 investment last year into the on site wash facilities and a revamp of the splashpads.

Sam James-Lawrie, the district council's cabinet member for environment, said it had been "a long time in the making".

“Our latest improvements further enhance the location as a ‘destination’ within the district," he said.

The council said it had also completed "a new accessible club cabin, with access to water and electricity" for Wallingford Accessible Boat Club.

The local authority said although the moorings could be used by anyone, they are designed to meet the requirements of the club and "enable disabled and less mobile people have equal access to the river".

Club chairman John Jenkins said they would have "a wheely boat operating base in central Wallingford opening up new opportunities".