MORE than £450,000 worth of funding has been secured by Dorset Council to provide seven more changing places toilets across the area. 

The total sum of £454,250 has come from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and will see new places to change at several locations in Dorset. 

These places are facilities for those who need extra space and equipment to use toilets safely and comfortably.

A changing places facility must include things like height adjustable adult changing benches, a ceiling track hoist, a peninsular toilet with space for two assistants, a privacy screen along with practical things such as wide paper rolls, a large waste disposal bin, a backrest on the toilet seat and (preferably) a height adjustable wash basin.

It is part of a £30m national government programme to increase the number of changing places toilets across the country. There are currently six in Dorset.

The first successful bidding process in round one, announced last March, saw funding of £244,250 allocated to Dorset Council to provide changing places facilities at:

  • North Beach Car Park, Swanage in partnership with Swanage Town Council
  • Knoll Beach Car Park, Studland in partnership with National Trust
  • West Bay All Inclusive Play Area in partnership with Bridport Town Council
  • West Bay Holiday Park in partnership with Park Dean resorts.

Installation of these facilities will begin over the next couple of months.

The latest funding announcement of a further £210,000 will enable the council to work with partners to install three further changing places toilets at:

  • Bridport Bus Station and visiting coach park, in partnership with Bridport Town Council
  • Castle View at Corfe Castle, in partnership with the National Trust
  • Farmer Palmer's Farm Park at Organford

The schedule for these installations is yet to be agreed between the council, the partners and DLUHC.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Assets and Property, said: "I am so pleased we have been successful, making Dorset a more welcoming and safer place for our visitors and residents. Easy and pleasant access to appropriate toilet facilities can make a big difference to the enjoyment of a day out. We are really pleased that Government is investing in these important changing places."