Bedford Borough Council is delighted to announce the opening of two new Changing Places toilets at Russell Park and The Higgins Bedford, significantly improving accessibility. These facilities cater to the needs of severely disabled individuals and are a testament to the commitment of the council to inclusivity and equal access for all members of the community.
The first of these facilities is a modular unit located in Russell Park, adjacent to The Kiosk café and near the accessible play equipment. The second is at The Higgins Bedford, just outside Bedford Town Centre. These will both ensure that individuals with severe disabilities can enjoy these public spaces and cultural attractions with ease and dignity.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative, stating "The introduction of these two Changing Places toilets is a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in our community. It's heartening to see our commitment to inclusivity realised through tangible actions like these."
Councillor Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Highways, and Transport at Bedford Borough Council, added, "These new Changing Places toilets not only enhance accessibility but also align with our environmental goals. By providing inclusive facilities, we're fostering a more equitable and sustainable community for all residents."
These initiatives have been made possible through £134,750 in funding from the UK government's Changing Places Fund, administered by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK). Additionally, the project receives support from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Changing Places toilets are specially designed to meet the needs of severely disabled individuals, equipped with features such as hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, peninsular toilets, and space for carers. Prior to this funding program, over 250,000 severely disabled people lacked access to suitable public toilet facilities, underscoring the urgency and importance of initiatives like these.
The funding allocation of £30.5 million aims to establish over 600 new Changing Places toilets across public places and venues, bridging the gap between demand and provision for accessible facilities. Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a part of this initiative, working alongside MDUK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium, to enhance accessibility in our region.
For further details of this and other public toilets in Bedford Borough, including opening hours and access arrangements, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/keeping-bedford-borough-clean/public-toilets/find-public-toilet.