Conservative-controlled Cherwell District Council has confirmed a Changing Places unit will be installed in Castle Quay shopping centre.
Work to accommodate a Changing Places (CP) facility was prompted following a motion tabled earlier this year by Conservative Councillor Tony Ilott which asked Cherwell District Council to explore sites in the town suitable for a CP unit.
Changing Places facilities are designed to support adults with severe physical and learning disabilities providing additional space and equipment for them to use toilets comfortably and safely.
Following the confirmation, Hardwick representative Tony said: “The lack of such a facility in Banbury was brought to my attention by a friend of mine who is severely disabled. Since my motion, the Council has been proactively looking into the viability of the proposal and I am delighted a suitable site has been found.
Installation of the Changing Places unit will be a lifeline for disabled residents and visitors. Often traditional disabled toilets are not accessible to adults with severe disabilities. A CP facility would afford these individuals the dignity to do what most people take for granted and in a safe and comfortable environment.”
The Council is now working with local campaign group Accessibility Banbury to ensure the final installation will meet the requirements of service users.
