A new ‘Changing Places’ toilet has opened for people with disabilities who require additional facilities not offered by standard accessible toilets.
Located in Petersfield’s Central Car park, the new facility will make those locations more accessible for people with limited mobility to work and visit.
Changing Places toilets include a hoist and changing bench and are roomy enough for one or two carers.
There are around 250,000 people in the country who cannot use standard accessible toilets
Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “This kind of facility will make Petersfield much more accessible for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets and need some extra support.
“These Changing Places toilets make it so much easier to use public conveniences and that means it opens up the town as a destination for everyone.”
The facilities received the seal of approval from two interns at Treloar's College, Hannah Martyn and Petersfield resident Joe Rush
Hannah said: "Knowing that there is an amazing accessible toilet in the town is huge deal for me. I can visit without worrying about the time I spend in town and I can do more when I am out and about."
Joe said: "Having a well-equipped accessible toilet in the local area, makes my life much easier as I don't have to go home to use my facilities and come back into town again."
Hazel Wark, Assistant Head of Treloars College, said: “Through our 'Let Me In' project we are working with local authorities and facilities to make our local communities more accessible.
"We are always looking for accessible places to visit with our students. The addition of facilities like these really make our students' lives better and enhance the opportunities for us to safely access the community."
Changing Places toilets are part of a £30 million Government-backed scheme, run in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK.
EHDC has developed a funding package of £160,744 to deliver the Changing Places toilet in Petersfield Car Park, working with the Department of Levelling Up Housing & Communities, Hampshire Countryside Services and the South Downs National Park Authority.
Top photo: L-R Holly Larvan, of Treloars, Joe Rush, Treloar's intern, Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, Cllr JC Crissey, Petersfield Town Mayor, Kate Hillerby, EHDC, Gulfer Budden, Treloars and Hannah Martyn, Treloars Intern.