A BRAND new access gate has been installed at Beversbrook Sports & Community Facility to allow disabled easy access to the dog exercise area on the bypass.
Paralympic swimmer, Suzanna Hext who lives in Calne, contacted Cllr Robert MacNaughton to say she would like to be able to get into the field to exercise her hearing dog, Kimmy. Cllr MacNaughton told us that he then called Rob Mercer, Amenities, Conservation and Sustainability Manager at Calne Town Council and said "let's do it" and yesterday, everyone gathered at the gate for the official opening.
Suzanna Hext is a World and European medalist Paralympian swimmer and accomplished equestrian, who was paralysed after a riding accident in 2012. Suzanna lives in Calne with her partner Gareth, and has recently become the proud owner of a Hearing Dog, Kimmy whom she says has changed her life.
Suzanna is currently in training for the World Championships at the end of July where she will compete in the 50m, 100m and her least favourite - 200m freestyle. When she is in town, she trains in the pools at the University of Bath and Calne Leisure Centre and a pool in Swindon.
At Beversbrook yesterday, Suzanna met some of the team at Beversbrook Sports and Community Facility including Dan Martin – Sports and Leisure Facilities Manager - who gave us all a tour of the grounds and explained some of 
the facilities they offer there and their plans for the future. They are currently seeking funding to be able to install a track in the area which members of the public would have access to allowing them to walk, bike or wheelchair without being hampered by the frequent muddy ground at the site.
In the meantime Suzanna, Gareth and Kimmy are preparing for a family holiday in France but that won't stop her training whilst there!
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