In News

As part of a new scheme at South Downs National Park, a brand new fleet of off road mobility scooters is being unveiled at popular sites across the park, including at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

The scooters, which will be available to hire, can cover a variety of terrain and will help more people enjoy the region’s incredible landscape. To coincide with Disabled Access Day on 16th March, two mobility scooters are being unveiled at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on Wednesday, 18th March. Other sites across Sussex, including Hogmoor Inclosure, will also be having scooters available to hire as part of a funding scheme from DEFRA to help more people access the park.

Each of the scooters are specially designed and can be used by those who have difficulty walking to explore three of the trails. You can book a scooter for your visit and find out more about the trails by contacting Queen Elizabeth Country Park’s visitor centre, either on 023 9259 5040 or via email: gecp.enquiries@hants.gov.uk

Speaking to reporters, Allison Thorpe, the leader of access and recreation at the South Downs National Park said: “With spring on the way, its wonderful to be unveiling these off-road mobility scooters and other equipment to help people enjoy the South Downs.”

Russell Oppenheimer, executive member for countryside and regulator services at Hampshire County Council, which manages Queen Elizabeth Country Park, also spoke to reporters. He said: “We want everyone to enjoy the splendour of Queen Elizabeth Country Park and so the arrival of two off-road mobility scooters is fantastic news. For the first time, individuals using these specialist scooters will be able to access three tracker-friendly trails that wind through woodland and downland. The county council also has plans to install a Changing Places toilet, alongside accessible changing facilities and a shower later this year, which we hope will help even more visitors enjoy the day to day activities that many of us take for granted.”

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