The first of three new Changing Places toilets in the district has been officially opened.
Representatives of local groups Need2Change and Wild With Wheels cut the ribbon at the Lower Leas Coastal Park, with similar facilities at Radnor Park and Dymchurch due to be ready in the coming weeks.
Changing Places toilets are designed to meet the needs of disabled children and adults with complex needs who rely on carer support. Specialist equipment inside includes ceiling hoists and changing tables. Folkestone & Hythe District Council secured £205,000 for the project from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Changing Places Fund.
Katrina O’Leary from Need2Change said:
“We are thrilled that more Changing Places are being built in the Folkestone and Hythe district, other parts of Kent and across the country.
“These facilities, with specialist equipment and more floor space, are really valued by those who cannot use a standard accessible toilet.
“They make such a difference to daily life – making outings possible and much less stressful, so a massive thank you to Folkestone and Hythe District Council.”
The three new Changing Places toilets are located at:
- Lower Leas Coastal Park: Lower Leas Coastal Park car park, Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 2DR
- Radnor Park: Radnor Park, Radnor Park Avenue, Folkestone, CT19 5HY (due to open in coming weeks)
- Dymchurch: Central car park, High Street, Dymchurch, TN29 0PP (due to open in coming weeks)
Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/toilets for more information about public toilets in the Folkestone & Hythe district.