Retford campaign

Retford set for Changing Places

Retford’s first Changing Places toilet is a step closer to being built as construction on the Chancery Lane site was launched this week as part of Changing Places Awareness Day.

Bassetlaw resident Alison Beevers and Mum to Mylor, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has been campaigning for a Changing Places toilet in Retford for the last 18 months.

Earlier this year, Alison was told that £36k needed to help build the new facility had been donated equally between Bassetlaw District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and the Nottinghamshire Learning, Disability and Autism Partnership Board, in addition to £34k from Bassetlaw Council’s Disabled Facilities Grant.

Alison said: “We are very pleased to see the plans materialise from the drawing board to the construction stage and it’s starting to feel like a reality after all the hard work everyone, including the two councils have put in to get to this point."

“Location wise the facility couldn’t be in a better position in the town centre; ideally placed near the shops, amenities, park and Market Square. Tuesday 19th July 2016 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Changing Places campaign so we were delighted this launch corresponded with the national awareness day.”   

“Changing Places toilets enable families to plan a day trip or weekend away safe in the knowledge that there are the correct facilities along the way to support them. This means an end to being changed in the back of the car, or a dirty toilet floor, or not being able to go out at all.”

Changing Places Awareness Day helps to express thanks to the thousands of dedicated campaigners and campaigning organisations across the UK and worldwide who have helped to make sure that Changing Places toilets are available in over 800 venues across the UK.

Cllr Simon Greaves, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said; “There has been a lot of hard work been put in by Alison and her campaigners, Councillors and officers of the Council to ensure that plans for a Changing Places Toilet have come to fruition.

“By working together with fellow Local Authorities and partners, this fantastic facility will bring real change and benefit to people’s lives. We are delighted to be part of this project and I look forward to seeing this much needed facility open in the near future.”

Cllr Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that the County Council has been able to get behind this partnership project, which will make such a huge difference in improving the lives of people with profound disabilities and their families, as well as providing an economic benefit to businesses through the extra visitors this facility will generate."

“Seeing work starting to take place is a proud day for me and the County Council, but even more so for Alison and Mylor, without whose excellent campaign  it’s unlikely this fantastic facility would have been possible.”

Changing Places toilets are more spacious than standard disabled toilets and have extra facilities to accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities and learning difficulties often need extra support to allow them to use the toilets comfortably. A Changing Places includes a hoist and a height adjustable changing bench.