New Changing Places facility opens on Andover High Street
Test Valley Borough Council’s new Changing Places toilet (CPT) in Andover High Street is now open.
Located on 71 High Street in Andover, adjacent to the British Heart Foundation shop and the Blue Onion Café, the CPT provides fully accessible toilets that include a height adjustable changing bench, a hoisting system, and a toilet with enough space on both sides to allow wheelchair transfers or assistance from carers.
To individuals with more complex disabilities these toilets can be life-changing, enabling them and their carers can get out and about in the confidence that suitable toilet facilities exist nearby.
The new facility joins three existing CPTs in Andover, including one at the Unity offices by the bus station, one at Purple Oak in the Wellington Centre and another at Andover Leisure Centre.
As well as the new CPT being in a central location, it is also open late into the evening. You can only access it using a RADAR key. If you're disabled and want to apply for a RADAR key, you can visit the TVBC offices, or apply online at www.testvalley.gov.uk/radarkeys
The facility was funded by a government grant, and Muscular Dystrophy UK provided advice and technical help.
Local ward councillors, Cllr Jan Budzynski, Cllr Iris Andersen and Cllr Debbie Cattell, cut the ribbon to open the new facility on Friday 19 July.
Leader of the council, Councillor Phil North, said: “We know from speaking with residents and carers who use Changing Places toilets, what a huge difference they make to those with complex disabilities. And it is fantastic that Andover now has four of these facilities. I am grateful to everyone involved in the project for all their hard work and support.”
Lee Roberts, business support manager from Purple Oak Support who attended the opening, added: “Having a changing places toilet in the centre of town will make such a difference to people with disabilities and incontinence support needs. It will ensure disabled people can enjoy what the town has to offer late into the evenings, knowing there are toilet facilities available to meet their needs. We know this will have such a positive impact on the people we support and open up so many more opportunities for them in the local community.”
When considering locating the new CPT in the High Street, engagement with local groups, including the Enablement Network, received really positive feedback. Comments included the opportunity to increase footfall to town centre events and positive benefits to the disabled community.
There are various public toilet facilities in the town centre, including in the Chantry Centre opposite Boswells and by the bus station. There are also several businesses signed up to the council’s Community Toilet Scheme, which means you can use their facilities without having to make a purchase. These include Grilled Cheese Café, Café Bridge, Costa Coffee and White Hart pub.
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