Changing Places toilet still not finished

MyWelshpool understands that the much-heralded Changing Places toilet facility for severely disabled users may not be completed until next year.

Back in September 2023, we reported that Welshpool would become the first town in Powys to provide the facility which requires specialist hoists and equipment.

A deal was done with the former Castle Caereinion Primary School to adopt their equipment for free after the school closed, and it was to be installed as part of the controversial renovation of the Tourist Information Centre which ended up costing over £300,000.

And while the facility was prepared and equipment installed as part of the overall project, we understand that the work didn’t go far enough to allow the facility to open and requires more to be done.

The draft minutes of last Wednesday’s Town Council Events and Planning Committee show that: “A discussion took place regarding the Changing Places toilet which could also generate tourism visits for the town. It was confirmed that money has been allocated in next year’s budget to finish the facility and get it open.”

In the meantime, Llandrindod Wells has stolen Welshpool’s thunder by declaring that it will be opening the county’s first Changing Places facility, thanks to a £120,000 grant to upgrade its Station Crescent block.

The cost is being met by the Welsh Government's Mid Wales Conveniences Fund, which is being managed by Powys County Council.

Back in September, Jane Johnston, Town Clerk to Llandrindod Wells Town Council said: “The town council is delighted to have been awarded funding of £120,000 from the Welsh Government to refurbish the Station Crescent Toilet block, which will incorporate the first Changing Places unit in a public toilet block within Powys. This will enable those residents and visitors with more complex needs to access free toilet facilities in our town and go one step further to making Llandrindod Wells more accessible.

“A further grant has also been awarded to refurbish the Lake Park toilets currently run by the town council, which will be managed by Powys County Council as this building falls within their ownership. This refurbishment will complement the activities at the Lake Park.”