£1million investment in public conveniences across the borough
PUBLIC conveniences across the borough have undergone a complete refurbishment thanks to a £1million investment by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC).
The latest project has seen NELC and Immingham Town Council working in partnership to improve the provision of public conveniences in Immingham town centre as part of NELC’s commitment to invest and provide safe, fit for purpose and clean public conveniences across the borough.
The refurbishment project has now come to an end with the completion of the final stage, the refurbishment of Grimsby Market Hall toilets. The project was delivered through a cross party working group attended by Cllr Beasant, Cllr Brookes, Cllr Burnett, Cllr Hocknell, Cllr Shaw and Cllr Swinburn.
Standard disabled toilets often do not meet the needs of thousands of people. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other serious impairments often need extra facilities to allow them to use the toilets comfortably. ‘Changing Places’ toilets have extra features and more space to meet their needs. Each Changing Places toilet provides the right equipment, including an adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, tracking or mobile hoist, (slings need to be provided by the user) enough space for the disabled person and carers, a screen or curtain to allow for privacy, a shower, where possible and a safe, clean environment.
Following on from the success of the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme’s commitment to introduce ‘Changing Places’ into North East Lincolnshire, the first Changing Place was installed at the Boating Lake in 2010. Aiming High believed the inclusion of the Changing Place to Immingham Civic Offices public conveniences was an excellent opportunity. The search for suitable locations within Grimsby town centre is ongoing.
Leader of the council, Councillor Andrew De Freitas, said: “The refurbishment of the public conveniences of the borough will benefit both residents and visitors. It is very important step in making disabled people and, where applicable, their carers, more confident when leaving their home
“The introduction of Changing Places ensures that adequate facilities are in place so families will not have to change the person they care for on a cramped floor or limit how long they are able to leave their home for. They will provide greater opportunities for people with a disability to visit Cleethorpes and Immingham safe in the knowledge that high quality, clean, hygienic and accessible Changing Places are available.”
NELC and Immingham Town Council held discussions in the summer of 2009 to identify opportunities to work in partnership to improve the provision of the public conveniences in Immingham town centre. NELC contributed to the refurbishment of the existing toilet provision in Immingham Civic Offices while Immingham Town Council has agreed to take over the management of the new facilities which replace the public toilets located in Kennedy way, Immingham.
The Mayor of Immingham, Mark Sandford, said: “The council has worked closely with disabled access groups and other partners, such as North East Lincolnshire’s Care Trust Plus and the Aiming High initiative, to identify suitable locations for Changing Places to be incorporated. As part of the council’s refurbishment programme, Aiming High has kindly funded the purchase and installation of the Changing Places fixtures and fittings to introduce the facilities to the borough.”
Angie Kershaw, Aiming High for Disabled Children programme manager, added: “Aiming High for Disabled Children is part of the government’s transformation programme which aims to improve service provision, enhancing equality and opportunity for all.
“The commitment to make a difference and recognise the diverse needs of disabled residents and visitors is thanks to several years of campaigning, awareness raising and hard work by a number of individuals. This dedication is being echoed in North East Lincolnshire; too many people struggle to get out and about due of the lack of facilities; the opening of our second Changing Places Toilet is great news and will mean that many more people will be able to enjoy a great day out in the borough with their family.”
The Changing Places have been designed in accordance with the latest British Standards. Access to the Changing Places at The boating Lake will be controlled by the use of a RADAR key with alarm monitoring provided by NELC security controlled room to ensure any activation is responded and assistance provide as necessary. Access to Immingham Civic Centre requires no RADAR key with the access to the centre being improved to ensure access to all is possible within the normal opening times.
Changing Places are open as follows: The Boating Lake - summer, Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm, winter, Monday to Sunday, 8am to 6pm. Immingham Civic Centre – 8 am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.