Essex to receive major £300k accessibility upgrades to pools and leisure centres

Basildon Borough Council plans a £300,000 project to add lifts, toilets and access ramps across public swimming pools and leisure centres; the plan includes £92,000 for lifts at Wickford and Basildon Sporting Village and £38,000 for special educational needs and disabilities hubs.

Basildon Borough Council has announced a £300,000 package of improvements for public swimming pools and leisure centres in the borough. The work is described as removing barriers and will include new lifts, toilets and access ramps. Funding was also announced for play area equipment and community centre access. Local residents and a council spokesperson commented on the plans. Planned allocations: - A total budget of £300,000 to add lifts, toilets and access ramps across pools and leisure centres. - £92,000 allocated for installation of special lifts at Wickford Swimming Pool and Basildon Sporting Village. - £38,000 set aside for special educational needs and disabilities hubs across the borough. - £60,000 for Lake Meadows play area equipment, £12,000 for an accessibility ramp at Lee Chapel North Community Centre, and £60,000 for a special toilet facility in Basildon Town Centre. - Resident Mary Knight said the improvements were overdue and that without such changes many disabled people cannot use or visit facilities. - Councillor Melissa McGeorge said the disabled facilities grant will focus on practical solutions that promote independence, dignity and wellbeing. Summary: The council said the funding will help remove barriers and make leisure sites more accessible for residents. Undetermined at this time.