A DEDICATED campaign calling for a fully-accessible disabled toilet in the centre of town celebrated its achieved goal this week.

Andover mum Amy Attrill has drummed up awareness and support for a public Changing Places toilet in the town since 2017, as her son Kane suffers from a bowel condition.

After reaching nearly 2,000 signatures in a petition, the borough council backed and funded the bid.

On Tuesday the ribbon was cut to officially open the facilities at Unity’s office near Andover Bus Station.

The unit contains a height adjustable changing bench, basin and hoist so those with multiple and complex disabilities are able to use the public toilet “with dignity”.

Amy said: “I can’t emphasise enough the difference this facility will make to those with complex disabilities. We often take for granted how easy it is for most of us to just pop to the loo when we’re out and about but for those who require such specialist facilities, having access to a Changing Places toilet can mean the difference between them being able to leave the house or having to stay at home.

“This facility affords greater freedom to those with complex disabilities and their families and carers, and that is invaluable. It is also in the perfect location right next to the bus station.

“I would once again like to thank Test Valley Borough Council, Andover and District Mencap and Unity for their support to deliver this new Changing Places toilet, as well as all those who took the time to sign the petition.

“Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to ERIC children’s bowel and bladder charity for inspiring me to undertake this campaign.”

A Changing Places campaign is fought nationally by a group of organisations working to support the rights of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, or other physical disabilities.

Launched in 2006, it aims to install Changing Places toilets in public spaces to support an estimated quarter of a million people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “It is fantastic that the new facility is finished and open. Amy came to us to express the difficulties she faced when out with her son and I am so pleased that we have been able to deliver a facility that will make a real difference to their lives and others like them.”

Before this opening, just one Changing Places toilet existed in the town, which was for the use of Andover and District Mencap clients at its Wellington Centre headquarters.

Chris Dixon, Andover and District Mencap chief executive, said: “Andover and District Mencap are so proud of Amy Attrill, who has worked tirelessly to make her vision of another Changing Places facility in Andover a reality.

"We must thank TVBC for listening to Amy and working with her to not only fund the facility but also to identify a suitable location in the Unity office to house it. Well done to all.”

Unity chief executive, Terry Bishop, added: “It is wonderful that the Changing Places toilet is now open and I am once again delighted that we were able to accommodate it here in the Unity offices, particularly as our mobility service is such an important one for disabled people locally.”

A further Changing Places toilet is also planned for the new leisure centre.