Campaign launched to improve disabled access at Witterings beaches

Simon Roberts, who runs the WABBIES Witterings & Surrounding Villages Community Facebook group, says wheelchair users and people with mobility issues are being let down by poor access to the coastline.

As a disabled resident himself, he says he has experienced first-hand the challenges of accessing the beaches.

Simon believes shingle has built up over former concrete access ramps, making it difficult for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues, parents with prams and older residents to reach the beach.

"The biggest issue is accessibility on and off the beach," he said. "It's not just disabled people – it's anyone with mobility issues, elderly relatives, pushchairs or beach trolleys."

He says the problem has worsened since Chichester District Council's Foreshore Service closed in 2024.

According to Simon, the service previously cleared access routes across the beach once or twice a day during the busy season, but now only occasional clearance work is carried out.

He said funding was secured for three shingle clearances last year, while National Lottery funding paid for one this year. However, he claims the latest clearance had largely disappeared within a day as shingle was washed back over the ramps.

Simon also surveyed almost 2,000 members of the WABBIES Facebook group, with accessibility emerging as the most common concern. He said residents reported trips, falls and injuries caused by the deep shingle.

He believes relatively simple measures could improve access, including keeping the existing ramps clear and installing barriers to reduce the amount of shingle washing back onto them.

Simon claims he was told by Chichester District Council that improving accessibility was not something the authority intended to fund, and that visitors seeking easier beach access should use neighbouring West Wittering instead.

He argues that is not a practical solution because parking at West Wittering can cost up to £16.25 a day.

"The Equality Act talks about making reasonable adjustments," he said. "We've already got ramps – they're just covered in shingle."

Simon is now calling on the council to work with local residents to find a long-term solution.

A spokesperson for Chichester District Council said: ‘We have been in correspondence with the resident regarding his concerns and appreciate the importance of ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy and access our coastline.

"Access conditions at Bracklesham Bay and East Wittering beaches change over time due to the natural movement and accumulation of shingle along the coastline. These are dynamic coastal environments, and beach levels can vary significantly as a result of weather conditions, tidal activity, wider coastal processes and other environmental factors.

“Historically, shingle grading was undertaken at Bracklesham Bay to enable the council’s boat to launch. However, due to service changes, for the past three years the boat has not been used. Since this time, shingle deposited through natural tidal movement has played a vital role in protecting the coastline from erosion and flooding.”

According to the local authority, evidence suggests that ‘even if shingle were removed’, much of it ‘would likely be replenished through future tidal action within a short space of time’.

The spokesperson added: “The accessibility information we provide for visitors explains the differing characteristics of our local beaches. West Wittering beach has a naturally different landscape to Bracklesham Bay and East Wittering and, as a result, offers easier access than the district’s shingle beaches. Our guidance is intended to help visitors make informed choices about which locations are best suited to their individual needs.

"For visitors to Bracklesham Bay and East Wittering beach, the nearby council car park provides designated disabled parking bays, with Blue Badge holders able to park free of charge. The council has achieved Disabled Parking Accreditation, independently assessed by the British Parking Association, reflecting our commitment to providing accessible and welcoming parking facilities for all users.

"Footpaths between the car park and the beach are fully accessible for wheelchair users to gain access to the large concrete aprons on the beach, which are regularly maintained by the council.”

The council said it is ‘committed’ to making Bracklesham Bay and East Wittering beaches ‘as accessible as possible’.

"It recognises the challenges faced by those with reduced mobility and wheelchair users in particular,” the statement continued.

"The council’s officers are in regular contact with other local authorities to share best practice and will continue to consider any practical, proportionate and effective options that may be available, while respecting the natural function of the coastline.”