Having a disability is not seasonal its for life. Getting old does not go backwards in time only forwards.

Broadstairs is an amazing seaside town which has fantastic residents of all ages and abilities in health etc. Therefore it is only correct that all should have the same access to the beach and lower promenade as their peers hence this new petition. We need the lift to operate not only in the spring summer seasons but also throughout the winter, weekends would be the way forward. 

We have a fantastic promenade and the new wooden Broadwalk ( this can be restrictive for some, but its a great addition) from Viking Bay to Dumpton Gap but access via these routes are  difficult  for those with  a disability, in a wheelchair, elderly or have walking issues. But to reach them and use I have highlighted below the problems. This petition is also about  awareness that people with a disability are having. 

As you may know in 2021 I started a petition ( https://www.change.org/saveourlifts as there was concern that the lift at Viking bay would close and it soon proved to spur a debate on  the matter on  TV, local newspaper and radio coverage plus extensive social media . So on  26/08/21 The lift at Viking Bay was opened and required maintenance took place, but sadly not for all year round use. The argument given at the time and still to this date that Harbour Street, Louisa Bay, or Dumpton Gap are viable alternatives which is technically true on a map, but practically dismissive of the reality for people with limited mobility, elderly or with other issues.

For the last two years I have continued to fight for access in winter at weekends but sadly TDC will not provide Operational funding as they deem it too expensive. It would require continuous maintenance and staff to open the lift.

Cllr Steve Albon sent an email albeit after much requesting to me stating the following " Hi Barry Apologies for not responding. I can advise that at the last full council meeting last month, no extra money was put in the budget for the Viking Bay lift. Perhaps the Town Council may be able to fund this. Kind Regards". I will add that it was Steve who put forward the funding request. but basically passing the baton to the local council whose Chairman did ask at that meeting for funding but it was rejected.

Our MP Polly Bollington said when we met that she supports the rights of accessibility for all here in Broadstairs  but so far no action has taken place.

Therefore the campaign now continues on this new Petition so please sign, share to friends and family and raise more awareness so we can show TDC that there is concern and they will again address this situation in the future...

The Practical Reality
Harbour Street
Accessible route
Narrow, high traffic, and lacks a protected pedestrian space for wheelchair users.

Louisa Bay
Coastal access
Features a notoriously steep gradient that is dangerous for manual wheelchairs and exhausting for the elderly.

Dumpton Gap
Coastal access
Also involves a significant incline and is a substantial distance from the town center amenities.

The  Argument for weekend use.

Accessibility isn't just a moral issues about giving everybody the same access throughout the yearn just in selective months.

The Equality Act 2010: Under UK law, service providers and public bodies have a "proactive duty" to make reasonable adjustments. Arguing that a steep, dangerous slope at Louisa Bay is a "reasonable" alternative to a functioning lift is a very weak legal or ethical stance for a council to take.

Mental Well-being: Access to the coast is proven to benefit mental health. Denying this to those with disabilities during the "off-season" creates a seasonal inequality in public health access.

Maintenance Transparency: Often, councils cite "maintenance costs" or "staffing" for seasonal closures. These are TDC's answers to why they cannot open at weekends in Winter. Let's try and work together with TDC to find a way forward with its local residents helping and providing impute together.

PLEASE SUPPORT ME IN THIS PETITION THANK YOU Barry Stickings MBE Broadstairs resident and father of a disabled young man Toby.

Many thanks to Jane for the use of this image Image credit: JaneSketching.com