Work to create a new Changing Places disabled toilet facility at Cheltenham’s Pittville Park is due to start in June 2018, with work complete by August 2018. There are also plans by Cheltenham Borough Council to create a second Changing Places facility in the town centre, although it’s not been decided where the second facility will be housed.
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.
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.
The work has been funded thanks to a grant of £88,000 from Gloucestershire County Council and hopes to help support disabled visitors to Pittville Park’s fully accessible play area.
In addition to the Changing Places facility in Pittville Park and second coming ot the town centre, there is a third Changing Places toilet being installed inside Cheltenham’s new John Lewis store.
Councillor Chris Coleman is Cheltenham Borough Council’s cabinet member for clean and green: ‘This is a much needed facility within the park to assist a number of adults with personal care needs and children with disabilities.
‘We are delighted that work will soon be underway to develop a much needed facility in Cheltenham’s glorious Pittville Park’
For more information call Cheltenham Borough Council on (01242) 262626 or visit johnlewis.com directly.
