Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has welcomed the announcement that Wealden District Council will be one of the authorities benefitting from over £7 million Government funding to secure more Changing Places toilets.
Changing Places are larger accessible toilets, designed for people with severe disabilities who cannot use standard accessible facilities. These new state-of-the-art facilities come with additional equipment such as hoists, adult sized changing benches and space for carers. They are targeted at areas where they are most needed such as parks, shopping centres and train stations with little to no access facilities.
This week’s announcement brings the amount of funding awarded under the government’s Changing Places scheme to £30.5 million. The scheme is providing more than 600 new facilities, bringing the total of Changing Places toilets across England to 1,900.
As part of the ambitious Inclusive Transport Strategy, Nusrat previously secured Changing Places toilets to 22 motorway service stations across the UK during her time as Transport Minister, helping ensure that everyone can use roads easily and comfortably.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Where people shop, go out, or travel should not be determined by their disability. Many disabled people across the UK do not have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs, and the provision of Changing Places toilets is vital for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This additional funding will see 120 new Changing Places toilets in places where they are most needed. I am pleased that Wealden will be able to deliver more Changing Places locally and help make the district and the country more inclusive for disabled people.”
Photo above is available at: www.changing-places.org