State-of-the-art Changing Places toilet installed in popular Burnley park

A new state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet has been installed in popular East Lancashire green space.

The specialist accessible facility is in Thompson Park, Burnley and includes the features necessary to make them compliant to be registered as a Changing Places destination. These include a powered hoist and sink, shower, grab rails, alarm and privacy screen. On the interior feature wall, there is even an aerial view of Thompson Park.

Located on the car park it is the fourth such toilet in Burnley joining similar ones in Towneley Park, St Peter’s leisure centre and Charter Walk shopping centre. The toilet was officially opened by the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Arif Khan, watched by Friends of Thompson Park and Queen’s Park and disabled visitors who said the facilities would make the park more welcoming to a wider range of people.

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The scheme cost around £80,000 and was funded by the Disabled Facilities Grant provided by central government. It was supplied by specialist contractor RISE Ltd and installed by local contractor Marchbridge Ltd.

Keiron Roberts, Burnley Council’s parks development manager, said: "Thompson Park is very popular and already provides inclusive facilities including an inclusive play area, cafe, gardens and a wheelchair accessible carriage on the miniature railway. We want to make it as accessible as possible for everyone.

"Standard accessible toilets are not suitable for all users. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably so this facility will fulfil this need.

"It’s part of Burnley Council’s commitment to making public spaces accessible for all visitors and users."