Delighted campaigners have hailed the approval of a new toilet for the profoundly disabled at an Angus tourist attraction.
Space at the centre will be transformed into the Changing Places toilet incorporating hoists and a changing bed suitable for all ages with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).
Angus Council’s communities committee signed off a five-figure commitment at its latest meeting, adding cash to £10,000 raised for the project by a charity cyclist whose sister has spearheaded the local effort.
The Changing Places programme, led by the charity PAMIS, aims to ensure proper facilities are available for up to 250,000 people whose needs are not currently met by existing toilets for disabled people.
Lois Laird, whose 15-year-old twins Kein and Kelsey have muscular dystrophy, told councillors the difference a Changing Places toilet can make to the lives of families is immense.
“Shopping, visiting friends and family, eating out and hospital visits all require forward planning,” she said.
“Changing Places toilets are not just for people with profound and multiple difficulties but meet the needs of a large group of people such as those with advanced Alzheimer’s, motor neurone disease and spinal injuries. A large number of people will benefit.”
The twins’ uncle, Grant Speed, raised £10,000 when he undertook the Loo Tour of Britain last summer, cycling the 370 miles from the Yorkshire start of the Tour de France to his home town of Arbroath.
Councillor David Fairweather said: “Not only is this council looking at Arbroath but we are looking to build a network of facilities and I think that is first class.”
Forfar’s new community campus will have a PAMIS-approved facility and changes have been built into the under-construction Brechin Community Campus.
A report to councillors said: “Further facilities could be developed when funding and opportunities arise including being incorporated in future build projects.
“The next steps would be to identify opportunities in Carnoustie and supplement the early generation facility in Monifieth, which would complete a network across all burgh towns.
“To maximise the advantages to people with PMLD, such facilities will be provided where they can be utilised at weekends as well as weekdays and where evening use is maximised, thereby realising the maximum benefit for users.”