Countryside team launches its new Tramper off-road scooter scheme

Disabled people can now take a ride on the wild side thanks to the launch of a new scooter scheme.

East Devon District Council’s Countryside team officially launched its tramper off-road vehicle at Seaton Wetlands this week.

The ribbon was cut by the resort’s county councillor, Jim Knight, who funded the current year’s lease of the vehicle with a locality budget grant.

The tramper is leased from Countryside Mobility South West and is available for hire to anyone with limited mobility over 14 years of age. They must also be able to read a number plate from six metres and have sufficient strength and dexterity to operate the twist grip. Maximum weight for the tramper is 25 stone and advance booking is necessary.

All users must be members of the scheme, which can be joined at the Wetlands. It involves some paperwork and a 15-20 minute training session, at a cost of £2.50 for a month or £10 for a year. Members can use trampers at sites across the South West.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Knight told the Herald: “As a registered disabled person and having fallen last Saturday on a public footpath in Colyton, I can see how a tramper vehicle will be a great asset to the Countryside teams to encourage people with disabilities to come and see the owners of the Wetlands with its scenery and wildlife. I hope they will enjoy coming to these places with their families.”

Visitors who have used the tramper at the Wetlands have said: “It was the highlight of my holiday”; “It’s given me a whole new lease of life”; and “What a fantastic opportunity to go for a ‘walk’ with my family - normally I would have had to wait for them in the car.”

** Seaton Wetlands is located six miles west of Lyme Regis and eight miles east of Sidmouth, between Colyton and Seaton. In the middle of Colyford village, on the A3052, take the Seaton road signposted Axe Vale Static Caravan Park. After half a mile turn left into Seaton Cemetery and continue to the Wetlands car park.