From Michaila Hill, Exeter 382535, September 02, 2008

New boat for disabled people at Exe Sailing Club

Disabled people wanting to follow in the footsteps of local Olympic Silver medallist Joe Glanfield are one step closer after Devon County Council granted £23,350 for an especially adapted boat in the latest round of funds to be allocated from the sale of Exeter Airport.

The boat, which will belong to Exe Sailing Club for their Sailability project, will be adapted for up to three wheelchair users with a remote control steering mechanism so the craft can be steered from a fixed seat, and a hoist to enable wheelchair users to embark and disembark the boat.

"I'm delighted that we have been able to obtain this funding", said local County Councillor Eileen Wragg. "This gives many people, some of whom have severe disabilities, the chance to experience an activity that would otherwise be unavailable.

"We're lucky to live so close to excellent sailing facilities and this boat will ensure that everybody has the opportunity to take full advantage of them."

The Sailability project started in May 2007 and provides over 120 sailing sessions a year for disabled people from the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education and the West of England School for children and young people with little or no sight. It is run by Exe Sailing Club Training Centre on an entirely voluntary basis by a group of young instructors under the age of 20.

Rick Newcombe, Principal of the Exe Sailing Club Training Centre said, "The project is a great success, but we have been unable to provide a sailing experience to all disabled people as we have needed a larger, more stable open boat which could be adapted for disabled crews. This new boat will be fantastic and will meet all our needs."

The project will link with The Royal Marines, Help for Heroes and Battle Back projects, who promote activity for disabled serviceman, making the boat available for use by disabled service personnel. There are also plans to explore links with local children with disabilities through Exmouth Community College and with people with learning disability and mental health problems

The funding has come from two sources; £13,350 allocated by Councillor Wragg from the County Council's Local Projects Fund and £10,000 from the County Council's Community Fund.

Notes to editors

For further information contact Councillor Eileen Wragg on 01395 273474

For more information about Sailability project contact Rick Newcombe on 01395 264607

Exeter Airport money

The Council sold Exeter airport for £60 million, and after first paying £12 million to cover existing borrowing against their previous investment in the airport, the Council has £48 million available for local projects. The money available has been divided in funds - all targeting areas of improvement. These are:

A Local Projects Fund supports smaller projects which can make a significant different to towns and villages in Devon. This enhances the support that Devon County Councillors already give to projects in their local areas through the County Committee fund, which allows them £10,000 each year for one-off grants for community activities. The Local Projects Fund will allow them to bid for up to £25,000 for a project, together with the facility to club together for larger projects.

A Green Fund promotes carbon reduction and environmental projects.

A Community Fund is for projects that develop provision for young people, older people, community centres and library enhancements.

An Economic Development Fund is for projects that develop Devon's economy.

A Schools Estate Development Fund promotes schools projects which are unable to be developed as part of the named Capital Programme.

A Major Projects/Programmes Fund promotes projects of very significant importance to Devon, which meet several of the Council's strategic priorities.