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Eastbourne Guide for
Disabled People
CONTENTS
Page
Section
Introduction
2
Getting About
Bus
Chairways
Rail
Parking
Taxis
Wheelchairs
3
3
3
3
4
4
The Promenade, Waterfront, Harbour
4
Accessible Public Toilets
5
6-12
Chairway Maps
Hotel Accommodation
13
Parks and Gardens
13
14 - 15
Useful Contacts
Larger Shopping Centres
16
Theatres, Cinemas, Art Gallery
17
Sensory Impairment
18
Page 1
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Eastbourne Access Guide, published by the
Eastbourne Access Group, and sponsored by the Eastbourne
Borough Council which originally drew up the “Chairway” maps.
Eastbourne is a fine Victorian town, built mostly on the level but
with steps and stairs everywhere! We are working hard to make
it accessible to all people, and we hope that the information in
the following pages will make it easier for disabled people
whether they are residents or visitors, to enjoy the amenities of
the town.
We have created “Chairways” for those who get about on
wheels to tour the town safely, via pavements with drop kerbs
at road crossings and sloped paving where steps occur. You will
find 7 pages of maps in the centre of the Guide. The red dots
show which side of the road is best to travel.
Eastbourne Access Group is made up of people with various
disabilities, who are concerned to “Make Places, Spaces and
Information accessible to Disabled People”. Our website
provides a lot of useful information about local facilities and
places to eat, put together by our members.
New members are always welcome, and if you would prefer to
do something constructive rather than merely grumble about
access problems, we would be glad to hear from you either by
phone:
0781 0317 185
Or e-mail:
info@eastbourneaccessgroup.org.uk
Our website is: www.eastbourneaccessgroup.org.uk
General information is available from
www.visiteastbourne.com
The Tourist Information Centre is in Cornfield Road BN21 4QA
Tel: 0871 663 0031. The Seafront Office is open April to
October, on Grand Parade by the Bandstand, Lower Parade.
Tel: 01323 410611.
Page 2
GETTING ABOUT
Buses. Eastbourne uses Stagecoach services. The two circular
routes called the “Loop” and the 1/1a service, use accessible
buses most of the time. They accept mobility scooters no more
than 1 metre long, but require owners to have a safety training
certificate first. Ring Stagecoach Disability Helpline 01227
812409 for details. Time-tables available on the bus, or from
www.stagecoachbus.com/eastbourne
Chairways. We have developed a series of wheelchair-friendly
routes, known as Chairways, using drop kerb pavement
crossings and pedestrian crossings. You will find maps of these
routes on the centre pages of this Guide.
Rail. Southern Rail provides accessible coaches, marked by
vertical red stripes on the doors, on each train. Four spaces are
available for wheelchairs and mobility scooters in accessible
coaches, but you must expect to share these with bicycles and
child pushchairs. Maximum size of wheelchairs allowed is
700x1200mm. All local stations are accessible, but use the level
crossing to cross the line at Hampden Park and at Polegate.
Hampden Park has a Help Point and Hearing Loop on Platform 2.
If you may need help, ring the Assisted Travel Line on 0800 138
1016, at least 24 hours before you travel.
Car Parking. Blue Badge holders may park free in the Council
car parks and on-street, except in spaces designated for other
users and on chevron-marked no-waiting and no-loading areas.
However, Hyde Gardens car park (max 2 hours) and the multistorey car parks (Arndale Centre (free on Sundays), Junction
Road, and Trinity Place) do charge disabled drivers . There is no
time restriction for Blue Badge holders in the Pay-and-Display
spaces.
Eastbourne Parking Information Centre, 55 Gildredge Road
BN21 4QW. Tel: 08456 801129 (option 1) can tell you where
blue badge spaces are. Please read road signage and markings
Page 3
Eastbourne Taxis
Call-a-cab
01323 746746
Radio Cars
01323 749749
Sussex Cars
01323 726726
Eastbourne and Country 01323 720720
Mark Lester
0781 3800 948 (Accessible Taxibus)
Wheelchairs and Scooters
These can be hired from:
AB Mobility, 7a. St Marys Walk, Hailsham. 01323 849736
Red Cross, Glennys Estate, Latimer Rd. E/B. 01323 732471
Clearwell Mobility, High St. Polegate. 01323 484060
Mobility Hire, 149 Tideswell Rd. E/B. 01323 721223/638046
My Health, 228 Terminus Rd. E/B. 01323 722555
Proctor Health Care, 8 Station Parade E/B. 01323 417508
Shopmobility, Rear exit of Arndale Centre. 01323 439585
Southern Mobility, 2a, Cavendish Avenue E/B. 01323 645067
Weald Mobility, 330 Seaside E/B 01323 431455
The Promenade
This stretches from Holywell in the West to Langney Point in the
East. Ramps lead to the Lower Prom near the Pier, Bandstand,
and Wish Tower. During the summer, the Dotto train
(accessible) runs the length of the Prom and on to the Harbour.
There are wooden pathways to high water mark at the Lifeguard
Station, and on both sides of the bandstand. Accessible toilets
are situated at Holywell, Bandstand, Pier, Redoubt Bowls
Pavilion, Fisherman’s Green and Langney Point. (RADAR Key)
The Bandstand is wheelchair accessible and there are
accessible public toilets nearby on both Lower and Middle Proms.
Seafront Office Tel: 01323 410611. (Open April-October)
The Waterfront and Sovereign Harbour
Most of the harbour development is accessible by wheelchair.
Large free car park with blue badge spaces and an accessible
public toilet. Accessible walkways to and around the Waterfront’s
shops, bars and restaurants, some with accessible toilets.
Sovereign Retail park, with shops, cinema, and petrol station is
adjacent.
Page 4
ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TOILETS
Eastbourne has many accessible public toilets as shown on the
Chairway maps (centre pages), as well as the toilets in the
shopping centres, railway station, and Waterfront (South
Harbour). Most are kept locked so always have your RADAR
(National Key Scheme) key with you. Keys can be purchased
from the Town Hall, Shopmobility, the Tourist Information
Centre and the Arndale Centre office (which is upstairs).
They are situated on the Seafront:
Beachy Head, in the main car park
Holywell, on lower Prom.
Helen Gardens, at rear of Pavilion
Bandstand, on both Middle and Lower Prom.
Pier. (Under the Pier, on the lower Prom.)
Treasure Island Car Park, attached to the Bowling Pavilion
Fishermans Green, by the Tennis Courts
Prince William Parade, by the Water Works
South Harbour, in the pedestrian area.
And Elsewhere:
Age Concern (Eastbourne), The Venton Centre, Junction Road
Arndale Centre, main square
Congress Theatre car park (only during tennis events)
Eastbourne Library, Use lift to top floor
Hampden Park, beside Cafe
Hyde Gardens, beside Tourist Information Centre
Junction Road Multistory Car Park
Princes Park, beside Cafe
Railway Station, main concourse
The large supermarkets also have accessible toilets,
ASDA Crumbles Retail park,
Morrisons, Lottbridge Drove,
Sainsburys, Cross Levels Way,
Tescos, Lottbridge Drove,
Waitrose, High Street Old Town
Page 5
Chairway
Old Town
Page 6
Page 7
Page 9
Chairway
Town Centre
Page 10
Page 11
Chairway
Harbour & South Langney
Page 12
Page
12
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Eastbourne is well supplied with hotels and guesthouses, large
and small, but in the nature of things, traditional architecture
limits accessibility. The Tourist Information Centre has a list of
hotels which are more or less accessible (tel: 0871 663 0031).
Some have hearing loops to help deaf guests. The staff will be
pleased to select the most suitable for particular disabilities.
Alternatively search www.visiteastbourne.com. It is then your
responsibility to check with an individual hotel whether it will
meet your needs.
PARKS AND GARDENS
Gildredge Park Entrances in Dittons Road, Compton Place Road
and the Goffs. Small car park at Goffs entrance, otherwise street
parking. Blind bowls, cafe, tennis, play area, skate park. Toilets
not accessible.
Hampden Park A beautiful park in the north of the town.
Wheelchair paths through wooded section. Level path round
lake, play area, accessible toilet near cafe. Roadside parking.
Helen Gardens King Edwards Parade. Street parking. Rose
Garden, Bowls, Cafe, Putting, Accessible toilet beside pavilion.
Motcombe Gardens Motcombe Road. Street parking.
Small quiet park with pond. Bowls.
Princes Park Entrances in Wartling Road and Channel View
Road (Dotto train stop). Street parking. Lake with model boats,
splash pad, play areas, cafe, accessible toilet, bowls.
Shinewater Park Access from Larkspur Drive and from Pigs
Lane bridle path. Street parking. Large man-made lake, surfaced
pathways, fishing stations. Toilets and refreshments at The Mill
and The Toby in Willingdon Drove.
Western Lawns King Edwards parade. Leads up to the Wish
Tower (Martello Tower) Large open space, much used for public
events, cafes, RNLI museum.
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LARGER SHOPPING CENTRES
Arndale Centre. (Town Centre) Under cover, on one level.
Accessible toilets in main square. Multi-storey car park (charges)
with lift. Shopmobility is situated just outside rear exit, near
Marks & Spencers. No banks, post office or petrol station.
Sovereign Retail Park. (Next to Sovereign Harbour) Large free
car parking with spaces for blue badge drivers. ASDA
supermarket with post office and accessible toilet. 6-screen
cinema, with accessible seats. Other large retail units plus
chemist and petrol station.
Langney Shopping Centre. Large free car park with spaces for
blue badge holders. Accessible toilet near Kingfisher Pub. Post
Office, bank, chemist, library, supermarket, and other shops.
Broadwater Way. Large free car park with blue badge section.
Sainsburys supermarket, with chemist and accessible toilet. Also
Currys/PC World, DFS furniture store and a petrol station.
Admirals Retail Park. (Lottbridge Drove) Large free car park
with blue badge spaces. Tesco supermarket with chemist and
accessible toilet. Homebase with accessible toilet. Several large
retail units. Petrol station.
Freshwater Square. (Willingdon). Small car park with two blue
badge spaces. Tesco’s. Chemist, and other shops.
Hampden Park Retail Centre. Three car parks with blue badge
spaces, Morrisons supermarket with petrol and cafe, Dunelm
with cafe and toilets, B & Q, and other large stores.
Banks and Building Societies.
These are mainly accessible. The majority are situated in the
Town Centre, in Terminus Road, Gildredge Road and Cornfield
Road.
Post Office. Is situated in Langney Road. Accessible.
Page 14
USEFUL CONTACTS
Local Support Groups
3VA Voluntary Action. Information and Resource centre for
voluntary groups. Maintains directory of all local groups and
services. Tel: 01323 639373.
Age Concern Eastbourne. The Venton Centre, Junction Road.
BN21 3QY.
Services for people aged 50 and over. Cafe,
Hairdresser, therapies, activities, shopping service and home
from hospital service. Tel: 01323 638474.
Care for the Carers support, information, advice, newsletter,
for unpaid carers in East Sussex. Tel: 01323 738390.
Citizens Advice Bureau. Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road.
BN21 3UH. Tel: 01323 417177.
East Sussex Disability Association (ESDA) 1 Faraday Close,
Hampden Park BN22 9BH. Disabled living centre and
Occupational Therapy advice. Empowering and supporting
disabled people. Tel: 01323 514500.
Eastbourne Seniors Forum A voice for over 50s, newsletter,
and directory of leisure facilities. Tel: 01323 479846.
Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) Russell Centre. Provides
social activities, lunches, chiropody, etc. 24 Hyde Road.
BN21 4SX. Tel: 02323 412279.
Samaritans 13 Bolton Road BN21 3JT. Tel: 01323 735555.
Mobility
Disability Equipment Service National website, advertising
unwanted equipment for sale.
www.disabilityequipmentservice.org.uk
Reid+Dean. 43-45 Cornfield Road BN21 4QG. Estate agency
specialising in “Mobility Friendly Homes” Clients can be shown
details of accessible properties from across the UK.
Tel: 01323 412550.
Shopmobility Arndale Centre, by Marks and Spencers.
Tel: 01323 439585.
Sovereign Swimming Club. For disabled people. Meets Sunday
afternoons at Motcombe baths (accessible). For details,
telephone: Rowena 01323 484165.
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USEFUL CONTACTS
Details of the mobility shops can be found on page 4.
Some will hire other mobility equipment. Red Cross will loan
equipment for a donation.
Public and Local Authority Services
Adult Social Care Helps people who need extra support, and
vulnerable people to live as independently as possible.
Tel: 0345 60 80 191.
Blue Badge Team Information and help with application. Tel:
01323 464244. On-line application www.gov.uk
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Offer free home safety
checks and smoke detectors. Ring to see if you are eligible.
Tel: 0800 1777 069.
Eastbourne Central Library 1 Grove Road BN21 4TL.
Tel: 0345 60 80 196. Other branches at Hampden Park and
Langney Shopping Centre. Equal Access and Home Library
Service memberships, (large print, audio-books, DVDs, and
specialised books) can all be accessed via your local library.
Tourist Information Centre Cornfield Road BN21 4QA.
Accessible building with public wheelchair toilet adjacent. Staff
helpful in finding suitable accommodation. Tel: 0871 6630 031.
Wealden & Eastbourne Lifeline (Welbeing) Greencote
House, 32 St Leonards Road BN21 3UT. 24-hour telephone
response service for vulnerable people. Tel: 01323 644422.
Health Services
Drop-in Doctor Surgery Eastbourne Rail Station (8am-8pm).
Tel: 01323 726650.
Eastbourne District General Hospital Kings Drive BN21 2UD
Tel: 01323 417400
Emergency Dental Service Hailsham. Tel 01323 449170.
St Wilfrids Hospice 1 Broadwater Way E/B 01323 434200.
Cafe open to public.
Page 16
THEATRES, CINEMAS and ART GALLERY
Box Office for all theatres: 01323 412000
Eastbourne Theatres operate a free scheme for those who need
a carer to be with them at a show, in order to assist them. Apply
for “Essential Companion Scheme” form at the box office.
Congress Theatre has 13 wheelchair spaces. Accessible toilet.
Lift. Infra-red audio system. Blue badge parking adjacent.
Devonshire Park Theatre has 3 wheelchair spaces. Access
from service road beside theatre. Blue badge parking in front of
theatre. Loop audio system. Audio-description is available Friday
evenings and Saturday Matinees. Accessible toilet.
Royal Hippodrome Theatre. 2 wheelchair spaces. Accessible
toilet. Loop audio system.
Winter Garden - Floral Hall Wheelchair entrance from
Compton Street, and on request from rear. Accessible toilet.
Loop audio system. Bar/Cafe open for events.
Gold Room. Lift. Accessible toilet. Loop audio system.
Cinemas, at Sovereign Park (Harbour) and Langney Road.
The Cinema Exhibitor’s Association Card allows people with
disabilities to obtain a free ticket for their attendant. You must
be receiving Disability Living Allowance/PIP, Attendance
Allowance, or be a Registered Blind Person. To apply for a card,
visit www.cinemauk.org.uk/cea-card. Enquiries: 0845 123 1292.
The Birley Centre.
A contemporary performing arts centre. Part of Eastbourne
College, College Road. Contact 01323 451931.
Towner Art Gallery.
Next to Congress Theatre. Fully accessible, with lift, accessible
toilet, and cafe. Tel: 01323 434670.
Under Ground Theatre. Situated under the Central Library.
Not wheelchair accessible, loop audio system. Tel:01323 430077
Page 17
Facilities for Sensory Impairment
Hearing Link is a national organisation that offers a range of
services to help people adjust to and manage the challenges that
hearing loss can bring. Its headquarters is in Eastbourne, at 2728 The Waterfront, BN23 5UZ. Tel: 0300 111 1113.
East Sussex Hearing Resource Centre, 8 St Leonards Road,
has a display of assistive devices, a mobile advisory service, and
lip reading and sign language classes. Tel 01323 722505.
Under difficult hearing situations, such as noisy places, and
trying to hear people from behind security screens, a hearing
(induction) loop is a great help. We have tried to ensure that
these places have a working loop. The theatres, most banks,
churches, the station and some supermarkets are equipped.
Look out for the sign at the entrance, and at on the counter.
T
Facilities for Visually Impaired People
Eastbourne Blind Society is our local social and resource
centre for VIPs. 124 Longstone Road, BN21 3SJ. Tel: 01323
729511. The Society regularly holds “White Stick Awareness
Days” to raise the profile of VIPs.
The Library Service has a range of large print and audio-books
for those who have difficulty with small print.
The Friends of Devonshire Park Theatre arrange Audiodescription of plays at the theatre on Friday nights and Saturday
matinees.
The Talking Newspaper Tel: 01323 727273.
The main Pedestrian Precinct in Terminus Road has been made
user-friendly by using contrasting colours for street furniture,
and arranging the furniture in straight lines.
Page 18