A SEVERELY disabled man has called for more action to allow him to enjoy Bournemouth's golden sands.

David Triggs, who is paralysed from the waist down, said he is unable to enjoy the area's beaches because no provision is made for wheelchairs.

Although he welcomes new beach-friendly wheelchairs recently purchased by Bournemouth council, he said he is unable to use them because he is incapable of transferring from his own, special chair.

His wife, Ann, said they enjoyed regular visits to the beach until David, 56 suffered a spinal haemorrhage three years ago.

"One day he was fit and healthy and the next he was not," said Ann, of Meadow View Road, Bear Cross.

"It was a great shock and it is a shame that we can no longer enjoy simple pleasures such as the beach."

She said many European countries provide simple wooden walkways across the sand to the sea.

"If there was something like that David would be able to get near to the sea and I would be able to sit on the beach," added Ann, 53.

"I can hardly sit on the beach and leave him on the promenade on his own."

The couple said they were pleased to see that Bournemouth council had purchased special wheelchairs, with large inflatable wheels, but added: "They are very good for a lot of people but unfortunately they don't help us."

Council spokeswoman Georgia Smith told the Echo: "We empathise with people in these circumstances which is why we have already provided a number of special wheelchairs.

"We recognise the issues surrounding the Disability Discrimination Act and are looking at other options."

First published: August 27