Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) and St Neots Town Council (SNTC) are thrilled to announce the completion of a new 'Changing Places' toilet at Riverside Park, St Neots, marking a significant milestone in making the park more inclusive and accessible for all visitors.
The project has been made possible through a combination of funding from HDC, SNTC, Cambridgeshire County Council, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Changing Places Fund.
The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with essential features such as hoists, privacy curtains, and adult-sized changing benches, is designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, ensuring that the park is accessible for all to enjoy.
Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Simone Taylor, said: "The opening of the Changing Places toilet is a crucial step towards ensuring Riverside Park is accessible to all. This facility will allow people with complex needs to enjoy the park in a way that was previously not possible, and it reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity across the district."
Liz Owen, from Access in St Neots, said: "It was a total pipe dream 3 years ago for me, to think this could be made possible. A Changing Places will be life-changing to so many and give a better quality of life to those needing it.
"Not only have disabled people been listened to, but the general public get a nice fancy renovated toilet block too! For me, having a disabled toilet that isn't dark, grubby and unwelcoming will mean I don't have to schedule my day as much.
"It's wonderful that St Neots will hopefully set an example to other towns too, on what can be achieved with a lot of perseverance."
The 'Changing Places' toilet is now open and ready for use, marking a significant improvement to the park's infrastructure. The addition is expected to greatly enhance the experience of all visitors, helping to ensure that Riverside Park remains a welcoming destination for all.