The first of two new Changing Places toilet facilities in Cheltenham opens to the public on Friday 10 August 2018. The toilet will be based at Pittville Park, near to the children’s playground and refreshment kiosk.
A second facility is being planned for the town, which Cheltenham Borough Council has now confirmed will ‘most likely to be located close to The Brewery.’
Changing Places facilities are used by people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as those with physical disabilities such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.
The facility, which has been funded by Gloucestershire County Council’s disabled children and young people’s short breaks capital grant, includes an electric ceiling hoist, shower, height adjustable changing table and wash hand basin, toilet and alarm and is accessed using a RADAR key. It will be open from 7.30am until 7.15pm between April and September, and from 8am until 4.30pm between October and March.
Changing Places provide additional equipment when compared to a standard disables toilet, such as adult sized changing benches, a hoist system and space for up to two carers. They also have a non-slip floor, large waste bins for disposable items, a centrally placed toilet with extra room on each side and a screen or curtain to allow for extra privacy.
Councillor Chris Coleman is Cheltenham Borough Council’s cabinet member for clean and green: ‘We have worked closely with local disability support groups to ensure that this new Changing Places toilet meets the needs of our vulnerable people.
‘This is a much needed facility within the park which will help a number of adults with personal care needs and children with disabilities. We are delighted that this much needed facility will now be open in Cheltenham’s glorious Pittville Park.’
For more information call Cheltenham Borough Council on (01242) 262626.
