The final of three Changing Places disabled toilet facilities built by South Kesteven District Council has opened in Bourne.
The Changing Places Toilet, located in the existing toilets on South Street, has been partly funded from Government funding to build specialist facilities across the District.
Cllr Rhys Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, oversees public conveniences at the Council. He said: “Across the UK, over 250,000 people rely on the facilities provided by Changing Places Toilets so it is vital that those people are able to access safe, comfortable and accessible facilities when they need to.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Changing Places Toilet and strengthen our commitment to providing access to these facilities here in South Kesteven. I believe it will make a real difference to those who live, work and visit our District.”
Changing Places Toilets are larger, wheel-chair friendly accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard facilities. They are designed to support users, their families, and their carers.
They are equipped with ceiling track hoists, privacy screens, support rails and height-adjustable, adult-sized changing benches.
Ownership of the facilities has been transferred to Bourne Town Council who will maintain the toilets going forward.
Cllr Helen Crawford, District Councillor for Bourne West and Mayor of Bourne said: “I'm delighted that we have been able to work closely with South Kesteven District Council, who secured funding from central government, to deliver these much needed facilities that will make a big difference to the town.
“The opening of these new toilets will be a huge benefit for all of us. Having good facilities is very important. Thanks to all that made this happen."
Changing Places facilities have been previously installed in The Meres Leisure Centre and in Wyndham Park in Grantham.
The Changing Places Consortium is a group of organisations and individuals with the shared focus of supporting the rights of people with disabilities. At the heart of their Changing Places Campaign is the call for accessible toilets to be installed in public places across the UK.
As co-chairs of the Consortium, Muscular Dystrophy UK also works closely with local authorities that have been awarded funding to provide specialist expertise, technical advice and training.
A spokesperson from Changing Places Toilets and Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “At Muscular Dystrophy UK, we are delighted to see another Changing Places Toilet built in South Kesteven.
“It is essential that these facilities can be accessed with dignity and reassurance to enable everyone in the community to come to visit and enjoy their time in the fantastic green space.”
A map of Changing Places toilets throughout the UK can be found online at www.changing-places.org/find