Final Changing Places toilet installed at The Leas, Sheringham

Date published: 12th December 2024

North Norfolk District Council is pleased to announce that a new Changing Places facility and family room has been included in the fully refurbished public conveniences at The Leas in Sheringham. This was following structural repairs to the bridge at The Leas and earlier refurbishment works to the existing facility.

Alongside Albert Street in Holt, Meadows car park Cromer, Vicarage Street North Walsham, Queens Road Fakenham, Stearmans Yard Wells and The Reef Sheringham, these toilets are the final location for the Council’s Changing Places programme, making our principal towns and coastal resorts accessible for residents and visitors with complex health conditions.

The Changing Places toilets provide users with a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench and either a tracking or mobile hoist system. They are sufficiently spacious, with due care and attention paid towards the requirements of the user. Each toilet holds adequate space in the changing area for the user and up to two carers, with a centrally placed toilet (with room) either side and a screen or curtain to provide privacy. They are equipped with a non-slip floor, large waste bins for disposable pads and a wide tear-off paper roll to cover the benches, upholding cleanliness.

Cllr Liz Withington, ward member for Sheringham and Portfolio Holder Community, Leisure & Outreach, commented:

"Changing places facilities and accessible toilets are an important facility in our area for those with additional needs to be able to enjoy our wonderful beaches and attractions.

This is not only important for the health and wellbeing of our visitors but also our residents. Having such facilities available 24/7 is vital as well since many of our local businesses are small and independent and do not have the capacity for accessible facilities.

This means that people with additional needs can take part fully in what our local area has to offer."

Final minor works, including painting the exterior and completion of a beach shower, are due to be carried out in March ready for the summer season.