A new Changing Places Toilet facility for disabled people has opened in a Morecambe park.
The new facility will provide essential facilities to a range of visitors to Happy Mount Park, from those with muscle-wasting conditions, to people who live with learning disabilities, or who have experienced major physical trauma.
The Changing Places Toilet (CPT) meets the very latest accessibility requirements and includes a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench and wash basin, ceiling hoist and a peninsular toilet with handrails.
Lancaster City Council has opened the new toilet after funding from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DHLUC).
It is the second city council owned Changing Places Toilet (CPT) facility operated and developed by Danfo UK within the Morecambe area. The other CPT is at the Festival Market at the other end of the promenade.
Councillor Abi Mills, the council’s Disability Champion, said she was "thrilled" that the facility was opening.
"Facilities like these are really important to ensure inclusivity for disabled people living in and visiting the district," said Councillor Mills.
Will Griffith, Chief Officer for Environment and Place at the council, said: “We are grateful to have been successful in obtaining funding to develop the new Changing Places Facility from DLUHC and hope that it will enable more disabled people and their families to experience the park and promenade in comfort.”
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 Toilets within the district. A full list of the CPTs, how to access them and their opening hours can be found on the CPT website.
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's most memorable Morecambe moments
Meeting will rally business community together after shock Lancaster bakery closure
INTERVIEW: Award-winning festival set to celebrate Italy in Lancaster
Lancaster MP welcomes return of mobile phone coverage
INTERVIEW: Historic Heysham pub to reopen as new management aims to 'bring community together'
Traffic diverted as Lancaster quay closed for rail bridge works
Caravan fire in Morecambe spreads to two other vehicles
Morecambe's two bathing beaches receive Seaside Awards amid calls to improve water quality
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
