Bolton: 'Changing Place' fund granted for disabled toilets

This comes after the government unveiled a list of areas all across the country which will receive funds from the Changing Place scheme, which aims to build the most up to date disabled toilet facilities.

They will be built in public places like parks, shopping centres and train stations, with Bolton’s to be created at the central library, at the Market Place and at Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park.

Council cabinet member for wellbeing, Cllr Susan Baines, said: “This is fantastic news and I know many people who live in or visit Bolton will benefit, particularly those with disabilities or additional needs.  

The Market Place shopping centre has also been included (Image: Newsquest)

“Being able to enjoy a day out without the worry or uncertainty of locating suitable toilet facilities will be invaluable for many.”

The £7m worth of funding across England brings the total amount up to £30.5m.

The Changing Places scheme will aim to provide new disabled toilet facilities all over the country, bringing the total up to 1,600.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison MP said: “Everyone deserves to have the freedom to enjoy their local communities – without the fear of whether or not they’re going to be able to access the facilities they need.  

“Today’s funding will see 120 new Changing Places toilets in places where they are most needed, helping ensure disabled people and their carers can go about their lives with dignity.”  

Improved facilities will also be created at Middlebrook retail park

The move has also been welcomed by campaigners like Shelley Simmonds, who’s nine-year-old son Fraser lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition which causes muscles to weaken over time.

She said: "I am a delighted to hear the announcement today and I know I speak for many families like mine when I say that Changing Places really do change lives.

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“The freedom of being able to visit different places and have days out that we can thoroughly enjoy, without the worry of toilet uncertainty or having to cut our trips shorts, is a wonderful feeling!  

 “Not being able to access a suitable toilet dictates our everyday life and prevents us from even accessing our most local community.

“With more Changing Places popping up, families can explore places that were once off limits."