Funding Secured for New Accessible Toilet
Designed for those who struggle to use standard accessible toilets, the new state-of-the-art Changing Places unit is proposed for Bents Park in South Shields and will feature additional equipment such as hoists, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers/family.
The new facility will be provided next Spring following the Council's successful bid for government funding. Funding previously secured will see a Changing Places toilet installed at Souter Lighthouse later this year with accessible toilets also being designed for installation at South Shields Town Hall and Boldon Community Association.
Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "Our vision is to make South Tyneside a place where everyone can lead a healthy, happy and fulfilled life. This includes everyone being able to get out and about to enjoy all that this Borough has to offer.
"This new facility will allow disabled people and their families the dignity and freedom they are entitled to. We are adamant that our beautiful Borough should be for everyone - both residents and visitors - to enjoy and this new facility will help us to make that a reality."
The location of the new unit was selected after research which revealed that families and carers of people with a disability said they wanted to see additional and better facilities at the seaside, motorway services and parks and gardens.
The new facilities will make it easier for people with a disability to take advantage of the coast, the parks and the Council's popular summer-time programme of events.
Last year the Council passed a Motion to identify more sites for Changing Places facilities and ensure they are properly signposted for visitors and residents.