A NEW path has opened at Pinewood Way open space in Bemerton Heath which will allow people with limited mobility, especially those who use mobility aids, to access the green and playground area more easily.

The £32k tarmac path, which will also benefit parents and carers using pushchairs, was installed by Salisbury City Council as its first project as part of its plans to make the city’s parks and open spaces more accessible to users.

The new path at Pinewood Way Picture: Salisbury City Council

The Disability Interest Group of Salisbury (DIGS) asked the council to complete a disability audit across the city in 2022 to identify barriers to accessibility and recommend improvements.

The group has welcomed the new path, saying that it is “fantastic” to see the council make these accessibility changes.

Kez Adey, CEO of DIGS, said, “After our MP told us it was not a government issue, we lost hope a little, so it is fantastic that the City Council is taking the first steps in an important project.

“I would like to thank Paul Sinclair, Mandy Blake, Harris, Julia, Chris and Justin for all the ideas and also Salisbury City Council for listening to our passionate pleas, and we look forward to working with them in the near future with a wheelchair accessible swing.”

The DIGS team Picture: Salisbury City Council

Following a series of meetings with DIGS last year, the council agreed to allocate funding in the 2024/25 budget to begin making Salisbury’s parks and open spaces more accessible. This was agreed in January 2024 and the budget was made available in April 2024.

Councillor Annie Riddle said that while a “great deal” needs to be done to make the city more disability-friendly, the council leadreship team is “keen to help when funds permit”.

She said: “This new path is an important step along the way to better access for all, and we’re delighted to have been able to help.”

Cllr Caroline Corbin, councillor for the Bemerton Heath Ward, said: “The installation of the path will enable more families to use the park safely, grateful thanks to Kez and the DIGS team for helping to raise disability awareness within our communities.

Councillors and DIGS representatives Picture: Salisbury City Council

“Disabled access requirements are very easily overlooked when often a small improvement can have a big impact on a wide range of needs.

“Such as the path, which will be useful to wheelchair users, parents/carers/grandparents with pushchairs, or even a toddler on their first bike ride to the park.”

Cllr John Wells said: “With so many pressures on local council budgets, the opening of this path is an acknowledgement of the importance of disabled access for all our residents.

“DIGS is an important group within our community which continues to raise and maintain public awareness of the need for accessibility and inclusivity.”

For more information about DIGS, visit their website at www.disabilityinterestgroup.com