Visitors to West Links in Arbroath can now benefit from a state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet facility as Angus Council invest £57,000 in accessible facilities to enhance their accessible tourism offering.
The new facilities will allow people with severe and multiple learning disabilities or physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, who require extra equipment and space, to use toilet facilities safely and comfortably.
Angus Council Leader, Councillor Beth Whiteside, said: “We are delighted to build upon our accessible offering here in Angus with the new addition of a Changing Places toilet facility.
“Changing Places can be life changing to those who require these facilities to enjoy a day out, regardless of their disability, without fear or stress. Something which most of us take for granted every day.
“West Links is one of our most visited destination parks in Angus and includes a wheelchair swing and a wheelchair accessible crazy golf course, and the new Changing Places toilet facility will further assist accessibility and enjoyment of the park by all visitors.”
Fiona Souter, Information and Inclusive Communities Director for PAMIS said: “PAMIS are delighted with the fantastic new Changing Places toilet facility at the West Links, Arbroath, which is a real asset to the town. Combined with the recent investment in additional accessible play equipment and crazy golf course, the West Links is now a great day out for families who have previously been excluded from enjoying this beautiful seaside park due to lack of appropriate toilets. Angus Council’s commitment to improving accessibility not only benefits the local community but is a much needed boost to Scottish inclusive tourism destinations. The families PAMIS supports are very much looking forward to enjoying a holiday in the area.”
Caroline Warburton, Regional Leadership Director (East), VisitScotland said: “We know that over ¼ million people in the UK are unable to use standard accessible toilets as they do not meet their needs so it is fantastic to see much-needed facilities such as this one at West Links in Arbroath being made available. The facility will make it possible for disabled people, as well as their family and friends to visit the area and enjoy the coastal views and local attractions which Arbroath has to offer. It reinforces Scotland’s commitment to responsible tourism ensuring that we extend a warm welcome to all visitors.”
Changing Places facilities are larger accessible toilets that include equipment such as hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, peninsula toilets and additional space for carers.
The new facility situated within the public toilet facilities at West Links on the Arbroath Esplanade, is one of eight Changing Places facilities Angus Council have created in Angus to maximise inclusion and reduce inequalities across the region.