Council successful in Changing Places Toilets application

Bedford Borough Council has been awarded £134,750 for the installation of new Changing Places toilets. These toilets will have adult changing bench and hoist facilities as well as extra space for carers, providing greater access to facilities that meet the needs of some severely disabled people.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "I'm very pleased we have been awarded this funding. It is important that we provide facilities that meet the needs of everyone in our communities. The new toilets will allow severely disabled residents and their carers and families to go out without having to worry about whether they will have access to suitable facilities."

The toilets will be located at Russell Park and The Higgins Museum. The Council also has Changing Places toilets in River Street Car Park and Robinson Pool. Residents can also access toilets with these facilities at The Pilgrim's Progress on Midland Road and The Range at The Interchange Retail Park. You can view a map of registered changing place toilets here: https://www.changing-places.org/find

Across the country over 250,000 severely disabled people do not have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs. Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Whilst we welcome this funding from the government as a step in the right direction, demand for these facilities is still outstripping supply. The number of Changing Places toilets must increase further to improve access for severely disabled people and their carers."