A NEW feature installed on Weston-super-Mare beach this Summer is set to return following a successful trial period.
In August and September this year, North Somerset Council installed specialist matting at one of the entrances to the main beach as part of an initial three-week trial.
This proved popular, and was extended to a six-week trial to help people with disabilities and reduced mobility access the beach.
This trial was a result of North Somerset Council working closely with members of the North Somerset Disabled Access Group.
As part of the beach feature, black matting was installed at one of the entrances to the main beach in Weston-super-Mare on Monday, August 17, and removed on Monday, September 28.
The council said there was "clear support for improved beach accessibility" and cited several reasons for reinstating the walkway next year.
These included feedback that the walkway provided a positive experience and improved access to the beach, calls for a more permanent solution, and a lack of sufficient evidence to justify keeping the mats in place all year round.
Speaking on the return of the accessibility route, a spokesperson for North Somerset Council said: "This trial was a result of our working closely with members of the North Somerset Disabled Access Group.
"We’re pleased to announce that we plan to install the mats again next year for use throughout the summer period.
"This decision was shaped by feedback from users, members of the public and our seafront rangers. Thanks to everyone who responded to our survey."
Council leader Mike Bell has previously described the installation on Weston's beach as "a long time coming".
"Really pleased to see this trial," Cllr Bell said in August this year.
"This is another one that has been a long time coming and I've kept plugging away in response to repeated requests from wheelchair users especially.
"Well done to the brilliant Weston Seafront team for rising to the challenge of how to make this work on soft sand, big tides and steep access to the beach.
"Let's hope this works."
According to North Somerset Council, the mats are likely to be reinstalled in May 2027, before the school holidays, and removed after the August bank holiday weekend.
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