A DISABILITY ramp to give access to the beach will be the first in the east of the city.

The ramp was going to be placed in either Rottingdean or Saltdean, with the latter chosen as the most suitable option.

Brighton and Hove City Council has stated that it plans to have the boardwalk “installed and ready for the summer”.

£30,000 secured from the council budget last year will pay for the structure to address an “accessibility gap in the city”.

The Conservatives said they have worked with the council, the beach access team and people in the community to decide on the best location for the infrastructure.

The ramp will be located on the beach, west of the underpass by Saltdean Lido.

Mary Mears, Conservative councillor for Rottingdean Coastal, said she was delighted the location had been agreed.

Cllr Mears said: “Talking to residents in the east of the city, it was clear many are very keen for a ramp at one of the eastern beaches to give disabled people in this vicinity access to the beach to be able to enjoy family outings.

The Argus: Cllr Mary Mears has worked on getting the ramp finalisedCllr Mary Mears has worked on getting the ramp finalised

“It was really important to work with groups representing the local community and those with a disability to listen to where new infrastructure should go, with Rottingdean Beach and Saltdean Beach the sites under consideration.

“It is fantastic that a location has now been chosen and we can look forward to this being rolled out soon, hopefully in time for summer.”

Rottingdean by-election candidate Lynda Hyde added: “The Saltdean site chosen has the potential to dovetail with the Saltdean Lido restoration on the other side of the underpass, where we will see new community facilities such as a watersports wing; heritage learning zone and community library and café."

The Argus: By-election candidate for Rottingdean Coastal Lynda Hyde, left, and Rottingdean Coastal councillor Mary MearsBy-election candidate for Rottingdean Coastal Lynda Hyde, left, and Rottingdean Coastal councillor Mary Mears

A spokesman for the council said: “We’re keen to improve access to the beach for all members of our community. 

“As part of this we’re going to build a short boardwalk on part of the beach in Saltdean.   

“This will make it easier for all beach users, whether they are walking or in a wheelchair, to move across the shingle.   

“We’re currently consulting on the design with the Brighton & Hove Beach Access Team.  

“We hope to have the boardwalk installed and ready for the summer.”