MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- Myrtle Beach City leaders say they have reversed a decision to discontinue free beach wheelchair services for people with disabilities.
News13 first reported on the decision to end the service earlier this week. At that time, Lt. Joey Crosby with MBPD said the wheelchairs began to age and some became broken with use over the years and the police department was unable to keep up with the repairs needed.
Since then city leaders say they’ve received a lot of feedback from the community that’s prompted them to move another route. Members of the community even drafted a petition for Mayor John Rhodes.
“We got an awful lot of feedback from folks who greatly appreciate that free service that we’ve offered for at least 30 years. We are going to go back to the table and try to figure out a way to continue providing that service. We would like to move it away from the police department. They really don’t need to be doing that but we will find a way to make that free beach wheelchair service available,” Spokesperson Mark Kruea said.
According to Kruea, Myrtle Beach is buying 12 new beach wheelchairs, which are expected to arrive in the next two weeks. He says the city is making arrangements to continue providing the free service in a different way. The city also plans to hire some temporary staff members who will be responsible for the pickup and delivery of the wheelchairs.
Count on News13 for updates.
