A FLOATING jetty for disabled sailors at a reservoir near Oxford is just weeks away from completion – the culmination of a massive community fundraising effort.
For six years, campaigners have been battling to raise £500,000 to pay for the jetty, to enable disabled sailors easy and safe access to their boats, without the aid of a helper, at Farmoor Reservoir, west of the city.
Pam Gee, chairman of Oxford Sailability, which provides sailing for the disabled on the reservoir, thanked the dozens of groups, individuals and companies who had supported the project.
She said: “All sorts of people, like little dance groups and community clubs, have helped us. I would like to say thank you to everyone.
“We’re delighted. It has been slow going, because prices have gone up and criteria have changed, such as health and safety regulations for the disabled, but we’re nearly ready.
“We hope work will be finished not long after the end of July.”
Accessible Sailing, the charity behind the pontoon project, also won £94,000 after appearing on the National Lottery’s People’s Millions, run in conjunction with ITV’s Thames Valley Tonight news programme, in November 2007.
Then Thames Water, which owns the reservoir, donated £250,000 via its new Ten for Ten scheme, to finally enable construction to start.
The firm’s chief executive David Owens said: “Disabled sailors are currently unable to launch their boats alone.
“Helpers have to wade into the reservoir to help them from the beach end.
“This project has really touched the hearts of the local community, who have shown overwhelming generosity to see that the pontoon goes ahead.
“Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, Vale of White Horse District Council, Cumnor Parish Council, businesses and schools, and the lottery grant, £250,000 was raised. We matched this amount through our Ten for Ten scheme, bringing the total to £500,000.
“As well as attracting more disabled sailors to Farmoor, we also hope the reservoir can be promoted as a training facility for the 2012 British Olympic disabled sailing team.”
The 65-metre pontoon will have wheelchair access and hoists.
There will be a sloping walkway and access bridge linking it to the shore. A lift will also ensure easier access to the water.
tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk
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