New toilet to open in Rugby Central will allow disabled people to use facilities in safety and comfort

Changing Places toilets cater for people with profound learning disabilities and physical disabilities such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and spinal injuries.

The specially-designed facilities have both the space and equipment to allow disabled people, supported by family members or carers, to use toilets in safe and comfortable surroundings.

The council has worked with Rugby Central to secure a location for the Changing Places toilet on the shopping centre's first floor, accessible from both the centre's car park and lift.

Support for the scheme has come from Rugby Disability Forum, Rugby Autism Network and the Rugby Community Wellbeing Hub.

Now the design of the Changing Places toilet has been unveiled, the council wants to hear feedback from residents and community organisations before finalising the plans and building the facility - with work set to start in the spring.

Cllr Carolyn Robbins, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for corporate resources, said: "Changing Places toilets make a dramatic difference to the lives of disabled people, offering the opportunity to go shopping, socialise, travel and play an active role in the community.

"We have worked closely with Rugby Central to move forward with the project and we're pleased to now be in the position to share the proposed design of the facility.

"We now want to hear feedback on the design before moving to the construction phase of the project."

The council has secured a £35,000 grant from Warwickshire County Council for the Changing Places toilet, with a further £25,000 coming from council budgets.

To view and comment on the design, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/changingplaces