A new and improved coastal footpath has been unveiled in Falmouth, making the town only the second area in Britain to achieve status compliant under the Disability Discrimination Act.

The project was spearheaded by Boscawen Field Action Group, a group of local volunteers whose aim is to make improvements to the local area.

The accessibility improvements have also been supported by Lifestory who create homes for independent living, with their most recent work at The Fitzroy community in Falmouth.

With help from Lifestory, there was the creation of a new wider tarmac footpath from Gyllyngvase Beach to Swanpool beach.

The footpath allows greater accessibility for those with mobility issues and parents with pushchairs, the installation of a new bench, the creation of a dedicated area for wheelchair users to enjoy the sea view, and general maintenance and gardening.

The latter involved clearing overgrown vegetation and planting beautiful wildflowers and sea thrifts which are designed to withstand the coastal weather and salty air.

The successful unveiling event was attended by notable local figures, with the Mayor of Falmouth, Steve Eva, officially unveiling the improved footpath.

The local MP for Truro and Falmouth, Cherilyn Mackroy, was also at the opening, alongside members of the Boscawen Fields Action Group.

Lifestory team representatives and owners and tenants from The Fitzroy community also came along to enjoy the occasion.

Widening the coastal footpath was one of Boscawen Field Action Group's most ambitious projects to date.

Tony Hallam and Lynn Newsham, who co-founded Boscawen Fields Action Group just over six years ago and were recently awarded with the 2019/20 Spirit of Falmouth Award, said:

"We formed Boscawen Fields Action Group with a long-term vision of making both small and large-scale improvements to the local area.

"Lifestory's generous donation has enabled us to undertake the first stage of a huge project for Falmouth that we have been keen to pursue for a long time and we are incredibly grateful for the support.

"We're delighted with the new path and seating area and have already received a lot of praise from passers-by who are really impressed."

Marc Evans, Regional Managing Director at Lifestory, added:

"The new and improved footpath will not only benefit homeowners and tenants at The Fitzroy, who are regular users of the footpath but the whole Falmouth community for years to come. Thank you to the hard work and efforts of Boscawen Fields Action Group for bringing this project to fruition."

Click here to see more about Lifestory's work in Falmouth.

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