A new fully accessible toilet has been installed at a popular TransPennine Express (TPE) station in Tameside.
The new Changing Places facility at Stalybridge is a larger accessible toilet for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as an adult-sized changing bench, a hoist, privacy screen and space for carers.
The facilities, located on platform four makes the station and wider area more accessible and was unveiled on July 19 with local councillors for the area present.
Adam Fairclough, Head of Customer Experience at TransPennine Express, said: “We know that good quality public toilets are important to everyone, but for people with additional needs having specialised facilities is essential.
“Changing Places Toilets enable anyone to go to the shops, attend appointments, socialise, and travel.
“We are proud to have these facilities available for our passengers.”
The new toilet was funded by the TPE Customer and Communities Improvement Fund and Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) and will open up travel opportunities for people who without the facilities, would not otherwise be able to use the rail network or visit the surrounding area.
Ceri Davies, Changing Places Officer said: “The facility has been completed to a very high standard and provides a huge, welcoming and hygienic space where those with additional needs can use the toilet and changing facilities with dignity. Changing Places Toilets are ‘game-changers’ for over a quarter of a million people in the UK alone and having this facility here at Stalybridge opens up travel opportunities on the rail network for so many who otherwise cannot enjoy a day out with their friends and family”.
Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, said: “I am delighted to see the installation of the new Changing Places toilets at Stalybridge Station. These facilities are so important for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. The new provision will make a real difference and will enable more people to get out and about and enjoy train journeys. I first secured a parliamentary debate on community access to disabled toilets in 2017 and it is wonderful to see facilities like this make travel easier for constituents with complex needs.”
Full details of the locations of Changing Places facilities, and how to access them, can be found on the national website at www.changing-places.org/find.