Lib Dem councillors Ryk Downes, Colin Campbell and Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) have welcomed funding from the local community committee towards a disability hoist at the Leeds Sailing Centre at Yeadon Tarn.

The centre provides a variety of activities both on and off the water such as sailing, rowing, and climbing, and offers a range of adapted dinghies, canoes and kayaks for disabled visitors.  However the centre was in need of a new lakeside hoist to help wheelchair users get in and out of boats.

Councillors voted at the community committee to spend £3,000 of wellbeing funding for a new hoist, with the sailing centre funding the remaining £3,000.

Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said:

 “Improving access for disabled visitors to the Leeds Sailing Centre is fantastic as it encourages people to try new things, making it possible to access a whole range of activities that weren’t available to them before.”

Cllr Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) added:

“This new funding will help ensure that disabled residents are not held back when it comes to sports on the tarn.  It’s important as the centre goes from strength to strength, that we support everyone to get the most out of the facilities.”

Cllr Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) also said:

“Sailing is a popular leisure activity in Yeadon thanks to the tarn and I am so pleased that this funding will be able to give the centre the practical boost needed to take their disabled access to the next level.”

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