The New 'Changing Place' in the Town Centre - a Facility to be Proud of

I recently attended a small ceremony to mark the opening of a new 'changing place' disabled toilet at River Street Car Park. You might wonder why a ceremony was held to mark the opening of a toilet, but the opening of this facility really is something worthy of celebration. It's the first facility of its kind in the Borough, and it will make a real difference for local residents and visitors with physical disabilities which make using standard accessible toilets difficult or, very often, impossible.

On entering the facility, which is by the lifts on the first floor of the car park, you are struck by the amount of space available. This is crucial, of course, as is the range of equipment available to disabled individuals and their carers. I was shown the equipment, such as the adjustable height changing bench, adjustable height hand basin and overhead tracking system, and despite how advanced it is, it's remarkably easy to use. I was absolutely delighted that we were able to work with Bedford Mencap to install this facility in the town centre, using grant funding from the Government's 'Aiming Higher for Disabled Children' programme, as I can see what a difference it will make to residents with physical disbilities. For many, it will means that they can now use their town centre, where previously it was simply not an option for them.