A NEW Changing Places toilet (CPTs) has opened on Andover high street, providing fully accessible toilets.

The new toilet, adjacent to the British Heart Foundation shop and the Blue Onion Café, includes 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.

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.

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New Changing Places toilet opens on Andover High Street (Image: Test Valley Borough Council) Council leader, Cllr 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.”

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 testvalley.gov.uk/radarkeys.

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The facility was funded by a government grant, and Muscular Dystrophy UK provided advice and technical help.

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.” 

Ahead of the decision to locate the new Changing Places toilet, engagement was carried out with local groups, including the Enablement Network, with those involved saying it would have positive benefits to the disabled community and increase footfall to town centre events.

Local ward councillors, Jan Budzynski, Iris Andersen and Debbie Cattell, cut the ribbon to open the new facility on Friday, July 19.