State-of-the-art 'Changing Places' facilities open in Weston-Super-Mare
A state-of-the-art accessible toilet facility at the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare has been officially opened
A brand-new state-of-the-art 'Changing Places' facility has opened in Weston-Super-Mare.
It was officially opened yesterday (February 28) at the Tropicana, which has helped people with disabilities and impairments since it opened back in August 2022 thanks to £120,000 of funding secured by North Somerset Council for two facilities in the town.
The 'Changing Places' toilet will be joined with a second accessible toilet in the town by March 2024, when one is set to have been installed at the Lake Grounds in Portishead.
When the government’s £30 million Changing Places Fund scheme was announced as part of the Budget 2021, the government stated that more than 250,000 severely disabled people across the UK did not have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: “Accessible toilets, like the superb Changing Places facilities, provide an essential public service. They allow those with accessibility requirements to enjoy places and days out without worry. I’m delighted that so many residents and visitors have already used the facility.
“As part of the council’s vision to be fair, providing inclusive and accessible features across the area is a priority. We’ll continue to actively seek out funding and revenue streams to provide more of these facilities.”
Karen Hoe, Changing Places Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), added: “We’re delighted that North Somerset Council was successful in receiving funding for this Changing Places toilet at the Tropicana. It is one of the first to have opened because of this funding. This new Changing Places toilet will bolster the town’s inclusivity and accessibility to the wider community. Its presence reassures everyone that they can come to visit and stay, having their needs met with dignity. It’s fantastic to hear it’s already being used and benefiting so many people.”
Changing Places toilets are larger and accessible for people with limited mobility, or specific disabilities and care needs. They are fitted with hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, peninsula toilets and have space for carers.
The council is proud to now have two Changing Places facilities, with the other located at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare. A list of local Changing Places locations can be found here.