Accessible bridge at Lancing’s Widewater Lagoon is opened

It comes after five years of campaigning by local residents, including a disabled member of The West Beach Residents’ Association, and the local nature reserve group, World of Widewater.

The previous timber bridge, which had degraded beyond repair, had stairs leading up to it, meaning the bridge could not be used by wheelchair users or people with pushchairs.

It has now been replaced by a new bridge with a slope.

Paula Baker, the acting chairman of World of Widewater, said: “We’re absolutely delighed to have it open.

“We’ve already had a couple of wheelchair users going over, which they’ve never been able to do before.

“And it’s open just in time for the Easter holidays.”

The new bridge is made from a special fibreglass material, called Fibre Reinforced Polymer.

This is lighter than alternative building materials, which meant the new bridge could be constructed off-site and a crane used to lift it into position.

Ongoing costs are far cheaper, too, as there is no need for re-painting and the material does not rot.

Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council funded through project using developer contributions (Section 106 funds).

Landbuild Ltd was the principal contractor for the scheme.

A council spokesman said: “The bridge’s reopening will be marked with a suitable event which reflects the many partner organisations involved in the project.

“This will be at a later date, when Covid-19 restrictions allow.”