New accessible toilets for Druridge Bay and Berwick
25 Jul 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
The council is opening new Changing Places accessible toilets at two of the county's visitor hotspots - at Druridge Bay Country Park and Woolmarket in Berwick, to serve this historic town centre.
These significant developments aim to provide enhanced facilities for visitors with disabilities and complex needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty and attractions of these beloved sites.
The project was supported through £205,000 from the Government’s Changing Places fund, with the Council providing match funding of £52,400 to deliver both facilities. The investment in these two new Changing Places toilets complements the wider County Council investment of £1.35m in a three-year programme of works to improve the standard of all of the 54 public toilets in the county for which it has responsibility. The Council has already developed new Changing Places facilities when refurbishing public toilets at Green Lane on Holy Island and at Seafield Road in Seahouses.
Changing Places toilets offer larger and more accessible spaces, equipped with a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, adequate space for a disabled person and up to two carers, and a centrally placed toilet with room either side for the carers.
These facilities are crucial for individuals who cannot use standard accessible toilets and provide them with the dignity and comfort they deserve.
Cllr John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Local Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the new facilities: "The completion of Changing Places toilets at Druridge Bay and Berwick is a milestone in our commitment to making Northumberland a welcoming destination for everyone.
“These new facilities will make a real difference to residents and visitors with severe disabilities, allowing them to explore and enjoy our beautiful county with greater ease and dignity. We are proud to lead the way in accessibility and inclusivity. Facilities like these are also contributing to one of our 3 top priorities of Equality."
Cllr Scott Dickinson MBE, Druridge Bay Ward Councillor said: “Druridge Bay is one of the jewels in Northumberland’s crown and attracts many visitors every year as well as being enjoyed by locals all year round.
“It is important that facilities that are needed to manage those influxes and all year-round users are fit for purpose, and I welcome this investment into these facilities.”
Cllr Catherine Seymour, Berwick North said: “The new Changing Places toilet investment for Berwick and other towns where installed in Northumberland to help visit and explore our magnificent county is greatly appreciated.
“I know what a difference this facility will make for disabled people and their carers, to give them the space and equipment they need to have the confidence to leave their homes and go out. Having access to these much-needed facilities increases independence, improves quality of life and is a priority for County Council.”