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Off Road in Loughborough and Charnwood
Posted on 14/06/2008
PEOPLE with disabilities will soon be Outwoods bound thanks to a unique mobility scooter capable of covering all terrains.
Charnwood Borough Council is purchasing a ‘Tramper’ so the popular beauty spot on the outskirts of Loughborough can be enjoyed by even more residents. Trampers allow the physically challenged the ability to go further than ever before as it is designed to cover rough ground, mud and grass and has an astonishing range and agility. It has a ground clearance of just over 6 inches and can go up a 25% (1 in 4) gradient. A ‘Tramper’ has even managed to conquer Snowdon.
The outdoor activity buggy, which has a top speed of four miles per hour and a range of up to 30 miles depending on terrain and surface, has been given the thumbs up following an (off?) ‘road test’ in front of the Outwoods Management Committee.
Charnwood is purchasing one Tramper, which costs between £5,000 and £7,000, and is seeking sponsors to pay for a second vehicle.
People will be able to book the use of the Tramper later this year so they can finally appreciate the Outwoods, which is difficult to access in a manual wheelchair due to the surfaces and incline of paths.
Loughborough resident,Chris Emmet, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, put the Tramper through its paces and was impressed by the mobility scooter.
The 61-year-old from Loughborough said: “Very few powered wheelchairs would be capable of doing what the Tramper does - it’s a great piece of kit.
“They are very easy to use and will be a great advantage to people in wheelchairs.
“The Outwoods was lovely. It’s the first time I’d seen it properly and I’m looking forward to having the chance to go again.”
Cllr Peter Lewis (Conservative councillor for Loughborough Nanpantan), Charnwood’s Cabinet member for Leisure, destroyed the tendons in both legs in a fall last year and his mobility is still restricted.
But he is also a big fan of the Tramper saying: “Initially, I was scared these machines might be too technical or too noisy for the Outwoods -neither was true.
“They are so balanced that any fear of falling off, which I had when climbing on board, proved to be groundless.
“I know only too well that sense of frustration, despair and sometimes real anger which can overwhelm you at not being able to go places which people take for granted.
“I am proud Charnwood is prepared to face these issues imaginatively and constructively.”
Cllr David Snartt, the chairperson of the Outwoods Management Committee, added: “The Outwoods should be enjoyed by everyone but due to the terrain, it’s very difficult for people with disabilities to get around and appreciate its natural beauty.
“These magnificent little buggies will open the woods up to even more people and we’re delighted to be able to make them available I’m sure they will be well used.”
Mark Graham, Charnwood Borough Council’s Wildlife Officer, said: “We are always looking to improve disabled access to the Outwoods and we were able to take the Tramper into difficult areas where no ordinary wheelchair or scooter would have had any chance of reaching.
“It means we can improve access to the Woods without having to detract from the area’s natural appearance by putting in formal paths.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring the purchase of a second Tramper should call Mark Graham on (01509) 634 976 or email mark.graham@charnwood.gov.uk
