SOUTH SANDS ACCESS STATEMENT 2007

As a guideline to those with disabilities, we have one apartment No. 16 which meets with VisitBritain National Accessibility Scheme Level Mobility 1. 
This apartment is ideal for a person with a mobility impairment (such as a respiratory problem or arthritis etc) but who is not fully dependent on wheelchair use but may require one on trips out.  This apartment is not suitable for those requiring a wheelchair when inside but is ideal for those needing a walking frame. 

Situated on the ground floor No.16 has its own access directly to the car-park via the external kitchen door.  There are two wide shallow steps and a threshold into the apartment with two substantial handrails.  Cars can be parked within close proximity.

Once inside the apartment, all rooms which lead off the large lounge are on one level.  There is a step-in shower with hand rail, and a shower stool is available upon request.  Two handrails are provided adjacent to the toilet, along with a toilet seat raiser – again available upon request.  All taps in the kitchen, shower room and vanity unit in the bedroom are provided with lever handles for ease of use and for safety purposes the shower is thermostatic.  All the interior door handles are of the lever type and there is an adapted sliding dining chair which is available upon request.

It is possible to store mobility scooters in the proprietors’ secure lock-up garage – but this is strictly by arrangement only.  There is electrical power in the garage for the purposes of charging batteries.

Assistance dogs are welcome – one per apartment and by arrangement only.
All TV’s have teletext.

South Sands is located on the main seafront road between Torquay and Paignton.  The promenade area of Torquay is completely flat, as is Paignton seafront and lower town.  However, the town centre of Torquay is relatively steep and away from this area it becomes extremely hilly.  Paignton town centre is fairly level.  Between South Sands and the promenade at Torquay the footpath undulates gently.

Tourist attractions such as Paignton Zoo, South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh, Kents Cavern and Living Coasts in Torquay generally have good disabled access, along with many more.  Beaches with easy or reasonable access are

1. Torre Abbey Sands, Corbyn Head in Torquay
2. Paignton, Preston, Goodrington and Broadsands in Paignton

Some also have the benefit of being awarded the Blue Flag for facilities and water quality.

There is a regular bus service route with a stop immediately outside South Sands which takes you to Torquay and on to the nearby market town of Newton Abbot.  This service operates with mainly new vehicles which have been adapted for disabled access.  The route to Paignton is served by a stop approximately 300 yards away on the other side of the road accessed via an island crossing with dropped kerbs.

In line with current legislation all apartments are “Non smoking”.  However for the comfort of all guests, smoking is also prohibited from the grounds - except for a designated area.