00:00A day trip to the local park might be something easily taken for granted.
00:05But a nature trail like this one at Trosley Park can exclude those who use mobility aids to get around.
00:12That is until now, thanks to accessibility improvements implemented by Kent County Council.
00:18One of the things about having a disability of any sort that means that you can't walk well
00:25is one of the things you're always worrying about is the surface you're walking on.
00:29And also you're worrying about other people on the path and where they're going
00:32and whether you can move out of their way in a way that's safe for you at all times.
00:37This takes away all of that because you don't have to worry about the surface immediately in front of you.
00:43So we've been able to access funding that has allowed us to not only buy the new tramper for the
00:49park
00:49but also to resurface some of the walkways.
00:53And the changing places toilets is a key part of that as well because that's increasing the accessibility to the
00:59park
00:59by making it possible for people who've got significant personal care needs
01:04to know that there is a place where they can change, where they can use the toilet to meet their
01:08personal needs.
01:09Where before a loose shingle the trail is now a smoother tarmac, making those hiring the new tramper mobility scooters
01:17able to enjoy the panoramic views of the North Downs.
01:20And such adjustments have been made possible by funding secured through the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
01:27otherwise known as DEFRA at no cost to the taxpayer.
01:31This marked Councillor Jamie Henderson's first day on the job as Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health.
01:39And he was keen to lay out what could be on the horizon for the county's parks.
01:44I do have a lot of ideas for our country parks. I want to get tourists to use them as
01:50part of their stop-offs.
01:52I also want to find ways to encourage motorhomers from across Europe to come here
01:59because we find really in Kent that it's a one-day economy.
02:04People arrive from London, they spend one day, they rush back.
02:07And we'd really like people to stop, enjoy, because you don't want to rush through a country park.
02:12You really want to take your time and soak it all up.
02:15But motorhomes aside, tramper hire is still only available in a third of the country parks managed by the council.
02:23So should rolling out more off-roaders for the disabled community take centre stage?
02:29Or has the thought been parked completely?
02:33Megan Shaw for CAME TV in Metham.
02:37But are we surviving, weiiiiii ό ό ό ό ό ό…
02:38Let's allpar!
02:39SEXU2
02:39I freedoms of
02:40Are we going to a good place or help?
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