THE latest improvements to Sunderland's seafront has seen the opening of a new Changing Places toilet.

The fully accessible toilet in Roker is part of a new complex at Marine Walk, which also includes male and female toilets, disabled toilets and baby change facilities.

Changing Place toilets are designed for people with complex needs with their carers to use and include height adjustable changing bench, ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet with space on both sides for carers, wheelchair access and privacy screens.

This is the second Changing Places toilet Sunderland City Council has funded as part of its £10m regeneration of the seafront.

Cabinet secretary Mel Speding, said: "We know that toilets are really important to people visiting the seaside and we want everyone to be able to enjoy our fabulous coastline whatever their mobility or access needs.

"That's why we've spent £500,000 improving and upgrading toilet facilities at both Roker and Seaburn so that more people, whatever their personal mobility or care demands might be, can come and visit the seafront and spend longer there."

Changing Places was established in 2006 with the help of the Department of Health and includes charities, Centre for Accessible Environments and local authorities.

Sharon Bell, director of CIC (Community Interest Company) Sunderland People First which represents and supports people with learning disabilities and autism, said: "Changing Places enables carers to enjoy significant meaningful leisure time with their loved ones in the local community, we are delighted about the developments in Sunderland to support that."

"Changing Places enables carers to enjoy leisure time with their loved ones in the community.”