Funding for a new Changing Places facility at Polegate has been secured by Wealden District Council and Polegate Town Council.
Changing Places are designed so that they are completely accessible and provide sufficient space for people who cannot use the toilet independently. The new state-of-the-art facility comes with additional equipment such as hoists, adult sized changing benches and space for carers.
The unit will be located within Polegate War Memorial Recreation Ground and £74,500 has been allocated to support the installation of the unit.
In previous funding rounds, Wealden council has been successful in securing money for Changing Places units in Pevensey Bay and the Seven Sisters Country Park.
The latest allocation came through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Changing Places Fund.
Wealden council’s portfolio holder for Community & Public Health Councillor Pam Doodes said, “Changing Places facilities really do change lives and gives people the freedom to enjoy their local communities – without the fear of whether or not they’re going to be able to access the facilities they need. It will be a great facility for residents in Wealden and those who come and visit.”
Councillor Douglas Murray, Mayor of Polegate, said, “Let me congratulate our staff on working assiduously with Wealden District Council in guiding our application for funding the state-of-the-art Changing Places facility to be located on the War Memorial recreation area. The facilities are vital for people unable to use standard accessible toilets and for their family and carers. Hopefully this just one new investment we will be making to support our residents.”
In Hailsham, the calls for a Changing Places facility have been discussed by Town Council for more than five years and recently, it was decided to throw out the project until a feasibility study has been completed.
