£200k for accessible toilets in Kirklees parks

The new toilets will be installed in two parks

Almost £200k has been awarded to Kirklees Council to create new accessible toilets in two parks.

The modular Changing Places Toilets will be installed at Huddersfield's Greenhead Park and Oakwell Hall and Country Park at Birstall.

They will include a ceiling-mounted hoist, changing bench, peninsular toilet, height adjustable wash basin, mobile privacy screen and grab rails.

The council said the new facilities would be installed by March.

The government, in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK, has awarded £192,000 to Kirklees Council for the toilets.

It is in addition to £89,250 the authority received last March for Changing Places Toilets in Huddersfield town centre and Slaithwaite.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Jackie Ramsay, cabinet member for health and social care, said it was "vital" the area was "open and accessible" to everyone.

"These facilities are a lifeline for people and their carers who often must choose between going out and staying at home because of their needs," Ms Ramsay said.

Her colleague Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, added he hoped the new facilities would help attract more visitors to the parks.

"Making Kirklees places and spaces more accessible will not only support residents but will also support a thriving local economy," he said.