AS a supporter of the Changing Places campaign, which is being undertaken by a group of organisations, I think it is a disgrace that Durham County Council doesn’t provide enough public toilets that meet the needs of local people with severe disabilities and their carers.
While we have one in the Durham area – at the Freeman’s Quay leisure centre – this is far from enough.
People with profound and multiple learning disabilities need Changing Places toilets – with a hoist, changing bench and plenty of space. Without them, carers are often forced to change their disabled loved ones on dirty toilet floors.
I urge the county council to install more Changing Places toilets. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else.
And carers have enough to contend with – let’s not make their lives harder by denying them the right to basic public facilities.
I encourage readers to take action and to sign the online petition about this important issue at mencap.org.uk/changelives.
Simon Roberts, Bishop Auckland.
■ Footnote: Hear All Sides thanks all other correspondents who submitted similarly-worded letters, some pointing out that there are no Changing Places toilets in the Darlington, South Tyneside and North Tyneside council areas and one which mentioned that while North Yorkshire County Council leads the way with five Changing Places toilets, there are only 85 across the country.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here