Seashell collaborates with housebuilder on cycling initiative

An initiative which will allow the students of Seashell’s Cheadle Hulme school to spend more time cycling outdoors has been given a boost thanks to a collaboration with Cheshire based developer Bloor Homes.

Cycling is considered a key part of Seashell’s curriculum, but opportunities for students to experience the great outdoors have been limited due to a lack of transport options for the Trust. Although the charity has plenty of adapted bicycles to cater for students with complex needs, they have been unable to travel outside of the Trust’s grounds due to a lack of viable options to do so largely because of the size of the bikes themselves.

Working with Bloor Homes, which has a commitment to enabling inclusive cycling across the country, Seashell Trust has found a solution to the problem via the adaptation of a trailer which is being funded by the developer. The adaption would allow the Trust’s trailer to hitch onto one of its vehicles, in turn transporting students outside of the grounds and into green spaces across Stockport and beyond. In addition to funding the trailer adaptation, Bloor Homes is also assisting the Trust by funding training sessions for the staff who will lead the bike trips.

Planning Director at Bloor Homes Kate McClean said:

As a part of the Heald Green community Bloor Homes is pleased to be able to assist Seashell with this initiative which will provide more flexibility for cycling provision within its curriculum. Bloor Homes has a national commitment to help promote inclusive cycling across all of our developments, including at land off Wilmslow Road in Heald Green.”

Dominic Tinner, Head of Fundraising at Seashell Trust said:

Seashell is grateful for Bloor Homes’ support with this initiative, which forms part of our wider ambition to become a national disability cycling hub. The opportunity for students to travel outside of the Trust and experience green spaces such as Middlewood Way will help us achieve our ambition of ensuring our students become more independent and live safe, creative and fulfilling lives.”

Bloor Homes is currently building an exclusive development of 3,4 & 5 bed homes at Kingswood, Poynton. In early 2022, the developer also hopes to launch the first phase of a brand new development comprising 202 homes just off Wilmslow Road in Heald Green. The site was granted planning permission in April 2020 and the development is subject to reserved matters planning permission being granted later this month.