Innovative changing and toilet facilities installed in Wychavon
New specialist changing facilities and eco-friendly toilets have been installed in Wychavon to provide a safe and clean environment for people with disabilities.
The changing rooms have been fitted at Evesham’s Viaduct Meadow and Droitwich’s St Andrews Square, with plans for installation in Pershore and Broadway next year.
As part of the ‘Changing Places’ national initiative, the new additions feature an electric hoist, height adjustable sink and height adjustable changing table.
They offer a safe, clean changing area with extra equipment and space for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.
As well as this, new eco-friendly ‘Propelair’ toilets have also been installed which combine efficiency and hygiene in a new and innovative design.
The public toilets near Asda in Pershore now boast the Propelair toilets and Dyson taps and hand dryers.
Each toilet uses 84% less water than a traditional toilet system and up to 80% less energy is required for water and waste processing – leading to a reduction of 74% in the carbon footprint of the loos.
They also have huge hygiene benefits due to the ‘safe to touch technology’ and antimicrobial additives in the latch which removes 99.9 of waterborne contaminates. By ensuring the lid is closed on flushing, the spread of airborne germs from the pan is reduced by 95%.
As well as this, a new piece of artwork depicting local landmarks such as the Chateau Impney and the radio masts has been erected on the front of the public toilets in St Andrew’s Square, Droitwich.
The 6.75 metre piece was created by local artist Ian Gibson and the ironwork was made by SE Cooper, a Blacksmith from Pershore.
Councillor Emma Stokes, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Street Scene at Wychavon District Council, said: “These latest additions are all part of the council’s commitment to provide fully accessible adult toilet facilities, as well as to improve energy efficiency across the district in line with Wychavon’s intelligently green plan.
“We hope that people will find comfort in knowing that when they are using these facilities, they will be using the efficient and innovative technology in a spacious, clean and safe environment.”
Wychavon will be monitoring the energy consumption over the coming 12 months, which will provide more of an indication as to the savings they provide.