Calls for disabled access gates on footpaths to Swanscombe Peninsula after Broadness Cruising Club loses old access route

Disabled members of a cruising club say there is a greater need to make public footpaths accessible for all after their old access route was cut off.

Broadness Cruising Club has operated on the Swanscombe Peninsula since 1991 in the shadow of the former neighbouring cement works and, more recently, the now scrapped plans for the much-maligned London Resort theme park.

The members had been able to drive or walk to Broadness Creek, on the banks of the River Thames between Dartford and Gravesend, by going through a locked gate, but this was suddenly revoked in July.

Since then, the landowner, Land Logical, and the club have been in a continuous row over access.

Despite this, the club holds a River Works Licence issued by the Port of London Authority (PLA), which permits the presence of structures or works below the mean high-water mark.

The club recently paid its quarterly fee to the PLA, which member Dave Edwards says validates it being there.

However, this licence does not cover landside access, which falls under the jurisdiction of the landowner.

Presently, members can only reach their boats via a public footpath but the three entrances have barriers which make them inaccessible for those with disabilities or people with pushchairs.

Dave, who has a Blue Badge and can’t walk long distances, said: “A disabled person can’t walk far. We really have trouble as we can’t walk over a mile to get to our boats.

“The Lady Jean, the Thames barge, has now completely sunk, so there’s no way that’s ever going to be fixed.

“We’ve lost a couple of boats out on the Thames because people can’t check to make sure their moorings are still secure. It’s just one problem after another.

“If we can get a disabled gate put in then our disabled members can get up there easier.

“We can’t get vehicular access but you’d be able to pull a trolley up there and do some work on your boats.”

In September, the 68-year-old submitted an application to Kent County Council to install access gates on the footpath - entrances which can be unlocked with a key similar to those used for disabled toilets.

However, it’s now March and he says the application is yet to be assessed.

If granted, he says it would be a “big difference” to himself and members who are older or who have disabilities.

A Kent County Council spokesperson said the authority was aware of concerns about accessibility on the public footpaths leading to the Swanscombe peninsula.

They explained the barriers had been there for some time and were originally installed to deter persistent motorcycle misuse in the area.

“We are committed to improving access where possible but any changes must balance the needs of legitimate users with the need to protect them and the local environment from nuisance activity,” they added.

“All proposals to alter or replace existing structures require assessment, including an Equality Impact Assessment, and will be considered as part of our ongoing review.”

On July 21, cruising club members suddenly discovered a new gate had been put in, blocking their entry.

They were handed a piece of paper by the landowner signed by Nicholas Katz, chairman of Swanscombe Development LLP, giving notice of the removal of access.

It explained the original access agreement was “purely gratuitous” and allowed members to cross the land “solely” for the purpose of accessing the creek and launching boats.

For now, Broadness Cruising Club is still going, despite the difficulties members face getting to their boats.