A new Changing Places facility has officially been opened at Lancaster train station.
The facility is a project involving both rail operator, Avanti, and Lancashire County Council, and was opened by Lancaster MP, Cat Smith, who attended along with other invited guests.
Cat Smith, said: ‘’This fantastic facility will make a significant difference in the lives of disabled passengers and their carers, ensuring that rail users can travel with greater ease, comfort, and dignity.
‘’By continuing to invest in accessible infrastructure, we can make real progress towards a society where no one is excluded from the opportunity to travel independently.
‘’I extend my sincere thanks to Avanti and Lancashire County Council for their collaboration in delivering this vital improvement at our station.’’
‘’Accessible spaces like this are not just about meeting basic needs; they represent a fundamental step towards better inclusivity across our transportation system.
‘’By continuing to invest in accessible infrastructure, we can make real progress towards a society where no one is excluded from the opportunity to travel independently.
‘’I hope this project sets the tone for similar improvements across our transport networks, both locally and beyond. It’s a positive step in the right direction for Lancaster, and I am excited to see what the future holds for making our city and its services more accessible for all.’’
There has been a national campaign to have Changing Places Toilets installed all over the UK.
This is so that everyone, regardless of their access needs or disability or reliance on the assistance of carers or specialist equipment, can use a toilet facility with dignity and hygienically.
People with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs are met by Changing Places toilets.
Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets which enable anyone, regardless of their disability, to go to the shops, attend hospital appointments, enjoy community life, socialise and travel.
There are several other registered Changing Places facilities within the district. A full list of the CPTs, how to access them and their opening hours can be found on the CPT website.