MID Devon District Council has installed a Changing Places Toilet at the Exe Valley Leisure Centre in Tiverton.

The council says that this is the first of two fully accessible facilities to be installed at Mid Devon Leisure, with work starting soon to install another at the Culm Valley Sports Centre at Cullompton.

Last year the council secured grant funding of more than £150,000 towards creating the fully accessible facilities at the two leisure sites.

The funding is part of the Changing Places Fund, administered by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which aims to support disabled people with improved access and facilities.

Changing places offer those with profound disabilities an array of facilities that are not available in a standard accessible toilet.

Building work began in January 2024 at Exe Valley Leisure Centre to put in a Changing Places Toilet, utilising a changing room which was rarely used. Designed for those who struggle to use standard accessible toilets, these new facilities include a disabled toilet, rise and fall sink, changing bench, hoist and space for carers.

Councillor David Wulff, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure, said: “I’m delighted that we can celebrate the completion of the first of two accessible toilets at our leisure sites.

“I would like to say thank you to the MS Society who have provided valuable insight and advice on the best layout and design for these new facilities.

“Changing Places Toilets are larger, truly accessible toilets for disabled people. Regardless of ability, everyone is welcome at our leisure centres."

The Culm Valley Sports Centre Changing Places Toilet should be completed by the end of the year.

Both facilities, once complete, will be added to an online map (https://www.changing-places.org/find ) to help people find their nearest Changing Places Toilet.

The facilities will not be limited to solely Mid Devon Leisure customers - residents and visitors who are in need of fully accessible facilities will be able to use these too.

To find out more about the Changing Places Funding visit: Changing Places toilets fund - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .