New toilet facilities designed for people with severe disabilities have been installed at Lakeside shopping centre.

The Changing Places facility opened last week to support customers with profound and multiple learning disabilities and will also cater for people with other physical disabilities who require extra equipment and space in a safe environment.

It differs from Lakeside’s standard and accessible toilets with features that include an adult-sized changing bench and enough room for a disabled person and up to two carers. There is also a height adjustable sink and a hoist to help users out of their wheelchairs.

The new facilities are located in Brompton Walk.

They were officially opened by Neil Woodbridge, chief executive of Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions.