Work is due to begin to introduce four additional new, fully-accessible toilet facilities, known as Changing Places Toilets, in Sefton.

Sefton Council has used funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Changing Places, to install the new toilets. They will be located at Ainsdale Beach, Litherland Sports Centre, Victoria Park in Southport and Dunes Splash World.

Fully-accessible

The project will start at Ainsdale Beach this month as part of the refurbishment work agreed earlier this year for Ainsdale beach toilets, following the closure of the public toilets for the winter season. All four locations will be completed by Spring 2024.

Changing Places toilets are designed for people who are unable to use regular accessible toilets. They are larger and come with additional equipment such as hoists, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.

Inclusive infrastructure

Councillor Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Sefton is an inclusive, welcoming Borough and it’s vital to create infrastructure that meets the wants and needs of visitors and local people.

“I’m delighted that we are able to begin work on the new Changing Places facilities, which will improve accessibility at our popular visitor locations.

“Many toilet facilities do not meet the needs of those with certain disabilities, or who need extra equipment or space to allow them to use the toilet safely and comfortably. The introduction of four new Changing Places toilets will provide that much needed resource.

“This is an important provision for members of this community, and I hope that this helps people to enjoy Sefton even more.”

There are already seven Changing Places units across Sefton, including three in Southport, one in Bootle, Crosby, Formby and Aintree hospital.

To find out more, and a list of all registered Changing Places toilets in the UK, visit their website.