A WOMAN with severely impaired sight is campaigning to make the seafront more accessible for disabled people.

Claire Nelson, 43, of Fonthill Road, Hove, said it was a “travesty” that not enough has been done to support others like her.

She has started an online petition on Brighton and Hove City Council’s website, calling for the authority to improve access to the seafront.

She said: “It’s a travesty. We managed to get people to the moon and the i360 but we don’t have facilities that accommodate disabled people.

“I think it’s disappointing because Brighton is famed for being inclusive and open-minded.

“I am severely sight impaired.

“I only have 20 per cent vision in my left eye, I have no peripheral vision and I can’t see in the dark.

“When it gets dark, I wouldn’t be able to find my way out of the seafront. I struggle in the winter because the sun sets earlier.

Ms Nelson’s vision began to decline when she was 30. However, 18 months ago her sight became severely impaired. She then became a member of Scope, a council-supported charity that helps disabled people.

She dedicates her time to campaigning to improve the lives of people living with a disability.

Ms Nelson said: “I joined Scope because I want to help out people who are in a similar situation.

“Going to the beach is a very task for many people, but for some it is struggle.

“The charity has a community engagement programme where members can come up with ideas to improve accessibility.

“So me and a couple of members came up with the petition.

“In May we consulted with families and some parents who have disabled children told us their kids can’t play on the beach.

“We’ve had more than 50 responses.

“We’re gathering evidence and case studies to present to the council at the end of the year. We are working with think tank group New Economics Foundation who will write a report for us.

“A mother told me her autistic daughter can’t go on the seafront because of the loud noises.

“She said there should be a quiet room for children like hers so they can enjoy themselves while being on the beach.”

Ms Nelson said other countries such as Canada, France and the US have suitable facilities such as ramps and matting for disabled people to access the beach.

Go to phantom.brighton-hove.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=601 to view the petition.