A new ‘Changing Places’ facilities has opened for people with disabilities who require additional facilities not offered by standard accessible toilets.
According to government statistics, there are around 250,000 people in the country who cannot use standard accessible toilets. Therefore, as part of a £30 million Government-backed scheme, run in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, Changing Places toilets are being introduced in more and more locations.
The new facilities, located in Petersfield’s Central Car park next to Rams Walk, will make those places more accessible for people with limited mobility to work and visit.
Changing Places toilets include a hoist and changing bench and are roomy enough for one or two carers.
Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, says, “This kind of facility will make Petersfield much more accessible for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets and need some extra support.
“These Changing Places toilets make it so much easier to use public conveniences and that means it opens up the town as a destination for everyone.”
EHDC has developed a funding package of £160,744 to deliver the Changing Places toilet in Petersfield Car Park, working with the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities, Hampshire Countryside Services and the South Downs National Park Authority.
