New vehicle makes tracks for disabled visitors on Otley Chevin (From Wharfedale Observer)

New vehicle makes tracks for disabled visitors on Otley Chevin

12:03pm Friday 14th March 2008

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A GROUNDBREAKING all-terrain vehicle that can be driven by wheelchair users has been unveiled on Otley Chevin.

Leeds City Council has commissioned the Rural Pursuit Vehicle (RPV), the first of its kind in this country, to help open up the beauty spot's harder to reach places to people with disabilities.

It was unveiled and demonstrated at an event held at The White House on Wednesday to celebrate a range of other improvements that have been made within Chevin Forest Park.

Councillor John Procter, executive member for Leisure, said: "Otley Chevin is one of our greatest natural assets and a thrilling place to visit and I am very pleased to see its attractions made more open for everyone to enjoy.

"The education building (The White House) has historically been used only by schools and other able-bodied groups for environmental activities, but now, thanks to all the different groups working together in partnership, it is of real benefit to the whole community."

Other work that have been done have included adding new, accessible toilet and changing room facilities to a building near The White House, a new kitchen area with varying work surface heights, more storage space for mobility scooters and a lower access ramp.

A new surface has also been laid to make it easier for wheelchair users to move around the courtyard and the (fully accessible) picnic benches.

Road improvements have been made to Johnny Lane and the vehicle track leading to the White House, too, to help groups reach the facilities safely by minibus.

The new RPV is custom designed to take a wheelchair, its user and one other person along routes that would otherwise be unreachable.

A donation from the Nowell Cottage Committee Group helped towards the cost of the vehicle, which is available free to use - to book it call 01943 465023.

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