Work is set to begin on creating accessible moorings on part of the River Thames.

More than £209,000 from South Oxfordshire District Council is being invested into making Wallingford Riverside more accessible.

The improvements are designed to make the riverside an attractive destination for residents, visitors, clubs, and river users.

The work will include improvements to the existing access path, roadway, ramp, and moorings at the riverside.

An accessible pontoon will also be installed at Wallingford Riverside Moorings, providing improved access for all visitors to the river, including wheelchair users.

Work is expected to start on Friday, September 27, and to last for around 12 weeks, subject to weather conditions.

Civil engineering firm, Greenford Ltd, from Wheatley, will carry out the work.

Councillor Sam James-Lawrie, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: "I’m so pleased to hear work is starting soon.

"Everyone should have access to the watercourse, and this will allow so many more people to enjoy the beautiful nature of the river.

"This project has been a long time in the making – with all the necessary planning and licenses needed and ensuring the timing worked with the end of the busy summer season at the Riverside campsite, outdoor pool, and splash pad.

"We’re committed to continue investing in community infrastructure and ensure that residents have access to facilities that improve overall wellbeing and quality of life."

Work is also nearing completion, in a related project, to create a Changing Places accessible bathroom at the riverside, next to the existing toilet facilities.

Councillor James-Lawrie added: "We’ve already put significant funding in recent years into the campsite, pool, toilet, and wash facilities and a fabulous makeover of our splash pads – which proved incredibly popular the last two seasons.

"Our latest improvements further enhance the location as a ‘destination’ within the district.

"I’m also pleased we are in a position to make the facilities more accessible so that everyone can benefit from our beautiful riverside."

Alongside the work on the accessible moorings, another related project will be providing a new accessible club cabin, with access to water and electricity for use by Wallingford Accessible Boat Club.

The moorings are specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club’s wheelyboat, WOW-one, to enable disabled and less mobile people to have equal access to the river.

John Jenkins MBE, chairman of Wallingford Accessible Boat Club, commented: "I am both delighted and excited by the news that the development work on this accessible site is starting very soon - we’ll be even more delighted when it is complete.

"We have been working with the district council for the past four years, facing and overcoming numerous delays and hurdles along the way but, at last, the end is in sight."