Stockport secures further funding for Changing Places accessible toilets

Three new Changing Places Toilets (CPTs) will be installed in Stockport following the award of government funding.

Stockport has received £167,000 from the Changing Places Fund Round 2 to install the accessible toilets at three locations in the borough: Reddish Vale Country Park and Cheadle and Hazel Grove Leisure Centres, both run by Life Leisure.

Reddish Park is a well-used green space and an asset to many Special Education Needs SEN schools and less mobile users of the Trans Pennine Trail, while installation at Life Leisure centres will ensure those with complex disabilities are not excluded from sport in the borough.

The new accessible facilities are designed people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as disabilities that severely limit their mobility. Changing Places Toilets provide specialist equipment such as a hoist, height adjustable changing table, adjustable washbasin, fully accessible toilet, privacy screen and grab rails. Support is also being provided by Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) to ensure the best possible provision.

Round 1 of Changing Places Fund secured £142,000 for CPTs at Vernon Park Café, Avondale Leisure Centre and Etherow Country Park café. They are also being installed at Stockport’s new transport interchange and the Stockroom library and community centre in Merseyway, both currently under construction.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services said:

“This funding is fantastic news coming on the back of Stockport’s Round 1 CPT award last year These will make a huge difference to people’s lives, enabling those with the most needs to take full part in our leisure offer, extending their stay and promoting user dignity.”

Ian Dixon, Head of Operations for Life Leisure, who will manage the CPTs in Leisure Centres, said:

“We are delighted and proud to provide these much needed facilities at our Cheadle and Hazel Grove sites.

“Life Leisure’s mission is to promote a healthier and more active community through physical activity, providing a range of community programmes for all abilities. This additional provision is an important step to ensure we can welcome and support even more members of our community.”