A NEW changing place facility to help improve inclusivity at a popular country park has been installed.

Changing Places facility has been installed within Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, to help provide a space for disabled visitors.

They are toilets and changing spaces for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis.

These visitors would often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably, which this facility provides.

As well as providing extra space, the facility has a hoist, and a changed bed suitable for adults too. 

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This new building comes after Wat Tyler Country Park open a brand-new inclusive play area.

The play area is suitable for all with a range of equipment available to children with disabilities and in wheelchairs.

Jeff Henry, councillor responsible for health, wellbeing, leisure, arts, and culture, said they hope this facility means not child is disadvantaged when it comes to play.

He said: “I'm proud that we've made our facilities at Wat Tyler inclusive for all ages and abilities, to make sure no child is disadvantaged when it comes to play.

"This Changing Places space will be such an important facility for the families who use it and it will complement our fully inclusive play area within the park too.

"We will also be installing changing places toilets within Lake Meadows and Laindon Community Centre this year, and we are looking to install more of these important facilities across the borough where possible."

Regular visitors to the park can be given a key to access the facility easily.

The project has been funded by Essex County Council's Short Breaks For Disabled Children Capital Fund, with the council funding the conversion of the disused toilet block that has been replaced with the new and improved facility.

To access the facility, please email wattylerenquiries@basildon.gov.uk for an entrance key application form.