MORE PUBLIC TOILET PROVISION FOR BRIGG

FROM SARAH HOWE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council is to provide 10 more changing places toilets in Belton, Barton, Brigg, Crowle, Epworth, Broughton, Winterton and Burton upon Stather – to improve access for those with mobility problems.
The investment supports the national Changing Places Toilet Campaign – a drive to provide more of these loos – following research that showed there are 230,000 people in the UK that need personal assistance to use the toilet (2014).
Changing Places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets as they have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people who use them, including a height adjustable changing bench and hoist.
The first tranche of toilets will be located at:

• The new Country Park and Visitor Centre in Belton
• Barton Community Wellbeing Hub
• Brigg Recreation Ground
• Axholme North Sports Centre in Crowle
• Winterton Gymnasium
• The new Burton upon Stather Sports Centre which has yet to be built

The council is also considering a further three changing places toilets at other council buildings – Epworth Leisure Centre, Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre in Barton and Broughton Resource Centre.
In addition, Riddings Pool in Scunthorpe already has the equipment required for a Changing Places Loo and the council is progressing an application to secure the registration of this facility with the Changing Places Campaign.
The new toilets will compliment those already in place: The Ironstone Centre in Scunthorpe; Normanby Hall Country Park; Sir John Mason House; Winterton, and Scunthorpe Community Wellbeing Hub, Alvingham Road in Scunthorpe. Toilets with hoists to assist disabled people are in place at The Pods and Brigg Community Wellbeing Hub.
Lorna Fillingham, campaigner for more changing places toilets, said: “As a mum of a disabled child, and a Changing Places campaigner, I am greatly encouraged by the council’s commitment to providing more Changing Places toilets, which have changing benches and hoists that meet my daughter’s needs. These facilities enable families like ours to be able to go out, knowing that our loved ones toileting needs will be met in a safe, humane and timely manner and with the dignity and respect that everyone expects and deserves.”
Coun Julie Reed, cabinet member for Adult Services at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There could soon be as many as 14 changing places in North Lincolnshire.  This is a major investment and will greatly improve access for many people with disabilities.
“Changing places toilets are fitted with a hoist and flat table for those that need this higher level of support and are particularly important in the leisure centres and swimming pools. All of our planned new facilities will have them included at the design stage, where appropriate.
“We are committed to supporting the national drive to increase the number of specialist toilets. We already have four changing places toilets in North Lincolnshire, but recognise this is not enough and want to see more.”