New 'changing places' toilets opening across city

Changing places facilities have equipment such as an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist

Seven new changing places toilets for people with disabilities are opening in Sunderland.

The facilities, to improve accessibility within libraries, parks and leisure centres, are opening across the city.

The toilets are designed for people who need facilities that are not provided in standard disabled toilets, and include equipment such as a hoist, privacy screens and an adult-sized changing bench.

Sunderland City Council's deputy leader Kelly Chequer said the project, paid for with a £330,000 government grant, would bring "very positive change" to the area.

Campaign group Changing Places, which wants to see more of the facilities being available across the country, said more than 250,000 people across the UK relied on them.

The new facilities are at Herrington Country Park, Hetton Community Pool, Houghton sports centre, Raich Carter sports centre, Roker Park, Silksworth Community Pool, and Washington Library.

Manager of Changing Places Karen Hoe said: "The new changing places toilets in Sunderland will make a huge difference to disabled people and their families and will mean that they can enjoy all that the venues and area has to offer."