Wallingford toilet block opens after accessibility upgrade

The new Cattlemarket Car Park toilets have replaced the old 1960s block that was in a poor condition and in need of refurbishment.

The work was funded by the government, with South Oxfordshire District Council working with charity Muscular Dystrophy UK to build a changing places toilet.

The old Cattlemarket Car Park toilet block (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council) The changing places toilet boasts a range of disabled-access facilities, including a hoist, adult-sized adjustable changing bench with paper towel dispenser, adjustable sink, and accessible hand dryer.

There is also a disabled access toilet with a privacy screen, and bins suitable for the disposal of personal hygiene protection.

The space is big enough for an individual in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, as well as multiple care assistants.

The new building also features solar panels on the roof to create electricity, and a rainwater harvesting system has been installed to flush the toilets.

The new toilet block (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council) This will save water as well as reduce the risk of overwhelming the drains during periods of heavy rain.

Councillor Pieter-Paul Barker, South Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet member for finance and property assets, said: "Nobody should be denied access to facilities due to disability so it's great we've been able to build this new, much-needed block with a changing places toilet to help Wallingford be accessible to all.

"We are also pleased to be able to include water saving measures and solar panels which will reduce our energy bills and our carbon emissions."

As well as the changing places facility, there is a standard disabled accessible toilet and two unisex toilets, one of which has baby changing facilities.

There is also a small car park attendant office which replaces the dilapidated temporary portacabin that was housed in the car park.

The new toilet block (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council) This has also freed up several parking spaces, which South Oxfordshire District Council said was "much needed".

There has been work to the car park as well. It has been re-lined, with an additional disabled parking space to the front of the toilet block, increasing the number of disabled parking spaces at the site.

The new toilet forms part of a wider roll out of changing places facilities across the county, including one currently under construction at the Riverside Park and Pools site in Crowmarsh Gifford, and one planned for Market House in Thame, which it is hoped will be completed by spring 2025.

A changing places toilet was also opened in Wantage in the public toilet block in Portway earlier this year.