New accessible changing facility opens

The new facility in the heart of the Peak District opened on Thursday

The first Changing Place toilet and changing facility along the Peak District National Park's accessible routes has opened.

Located at the former Millers Dale railway station, the new facility will help "unlock access to the countryside" for those with additional, or particularly complex care needs.

The £90,000 facility includes an accessible peninsula toilet, height adjustable changing bench and a ceiling hoist.

Leader of High Peak Borough Council, Anthony McKeown, said the new building is a "welcome addition to the accessible offer in the Peak District".

"This opens the door for people with disabilities and their families to discover more of the beautiful countryside on our doorstep," Mr McKeown added.

The new facility being installed

The building itself has been designed to reflect a railway workers’ hut, sitting alongside the recently renovated Millers Dale Station goods shed.

It has been funded by the Peak District National Park Foundation, Accessible UK, Muscular Dystrophy UK, and the Peak District National Park Authority in partnership with High Peak Borough Council through the Department for Housing, Communities and Levelling Up.

'Changing lives'

Gillian Scotford, director of Accessible UK, has a son with autism and learning difficulties and she said: "The extra facilities they provide open up possibilities for people who need them to go out and enjoy the countryside with their family and friends instead of having to stay at home.

"They are literally changing lives."

Phil Mulligan, chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said he was "proud" to open up the new facility and that the council is planning to install another Changing Place toilet at Parsley Hay in the future.