Two new Changing Places facilities officially open at Rutland Water

Anglian Water and Rutland County Council have officially opened their two new Changing Places yesterday (20 March) located at Rutland Water as part of a larger campaign to enable everybody to access their community.

The Changing Places are toilets and changing facilities for people with profound learning disabilities or with physical disabilities.

There are currently over 2,250 Changing Places facilities in the United Kingdom and Rutland Water is the first Anglian Water park to get changing places at their park.

Rutland County Council secured government funding to install the stations at Rutland Water and Anglian Water have match funded through ongoing maintenance of the facilities.

The Changing Places Consortium was established in 2005 and is made up of individuals and organisations who work to support the rights of people with disabilities and make destinations accessible for all.

The group is calling for Changing Places toilets to be installed in big public spaces so everyone can access their community – from shopping centres and leisure complexes to entertainment venues and attractions.

The consortium also offers advice to venues who are planning to install a Changing Places toilet at their establishment as well as offering guidance to bodies providing funding for their installation.

Both facilities at Rutland Water contain a toilet, shower, hoist and a height adjustable bed and sink and are located at Normanton and Whitwell car parks, where accessible tracks, cafes and other facilities can be found.

Jake Williams, Managing Director at AVH Parks said: “We’re delighted to be able to open not one but two Changing Places facilities at Rutland Water. We understand how important it is for everyone to be able to access outdoor spaces, so introducing these stations to our park will make it accessible for more people."

Cllr Diane Ellison, Rutland County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health said: “A toilet opening might seem like an unusual event to get excited about, however, being able to have two Changing Places facilities at one of our most popular tourist locations will really make things a lot easier for those with both physical and learning disabilities.

“These new additions will allow more people to enjoy what Rutland Water has to offer without the stress and worry of where they may be able to use toilet facilities.”

The Changing Places facilities can be found at the following spots at Rutland Water:

• Rutland Water, Normanton Park Road, LE15 8HD
• Rutland Water Whitwell, Bull Brigg Lane, LE15 8BL

More information about Rutland’s Changing Places stations can be found here.