Featured
< Go back to all Featured articles
All cisterns go for revamped town centre loos
New, fully accessible and energy-efficient toilets at English Walls in Oswestry town centre have been officially opened after an 18-week revamp, thanks to investment from Oswestry Town Council and grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The upgraded facilities mean even more people can enjoy a day out in Oswestry. There are four individual toilet cubicles and one accessible cubicle which each have baby changing provision and are STOMA friendly. These operate using a locked door system and the 20p payment can be made by either coin or contactless payment.
There is also a Changing Places facility for those who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This state-of-the-art facility is larger and fitted with a hoist, privacy screens, changing bench and has space for carers. For use of the facility, there is a telephone number to call which returns a code for entry. The facility is registered with Muscular Dystrophy UK at https://www.changing-places.org/find.
Irene Constable, Shropshire B.O.T.s (Bums on Tums) Stoma Support Group, said: “We welcome this investment from the Council and the transformation from the previous facilities. We have provided critical friend feedback and I am pleased that each cubicle meets the STOMA friendly criteria.”
Environmental improvements include Photovoltaic units and storage, and handwash units that save 90% water per cycle against the old wash hand basins. The improved toilet facilities are part of the Council’s commitment to being as accessible and inclusive of all communities as possible and to achieving its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Olly Rose, said: “I am extremely pleased that the work has been completed and with the end results. These facilities are inclusive, accessible and very energy efficient.
“It has taken quite a journey to get here and represents a significant commitment and investment from Oswestry Town Council. The building looked very tired and needed a full repair and renovation. Around 500,000 people pass through the car park each year, so the provision of fully accessible facilities is a priority.
“The Changing Places facility is very important as some disabled people are unable to go out or take part in activities many take for granted because standard accessible toilets do not meet their needs – or the needs of their carers and families. This one does. So that everyone, regardless of their access needs or disability or reliance on the assistance of carers or specialist equipment, can use a toilet facility with dignity.”
“I am particularly grateful for the input and support from community groups and residents who have provided feedback. I would also like to thank Shropshire Council for their support through the grant process and to Jones Brothers of Weston Rhyn who did the construction work.”
Councillor Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Assets, said: “We are pleased to have supported Oswestry Town Council through this project and commend them on their commitment to provide modern and accessible facilities in Oswestry.”
Chris Jones, Director of Jones Brothers, Weston Rhyn, said: “I am pleased with the end result, the building and provision is a vast improvement on what was there already.”
The toilets at English Walls are open daily 8am to 4pm with only Christmas Day closure.
