NEW public toilets with specialist equipment for people unable to use standard loos are to be created in Taunton and Minehead.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has been awarded £95,360 Government funding for two new Changing Places WCs.

The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities cash will go on toilets containing hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.

One is planned in Tower Street, Taunton, the other in Summerland Car Park, Minehead, which will be delivered by Minehead Town Council who worked on the bid in partnership with SWT.

The Government has allocated £23.5million across 191 councils, which will see 513 new Changing Places toilets installed in public places and tourist attractions across England, adding to the 1,300 already in place.

SWT director of place and climate change Chris Hall said: “SWT is committed to promoting equality and improving the quality of life for everyone, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. Securing this funding means we can make a real difference to the residents and visitors who need to use our facilities and cannot use standard accessible toilets.”

A Minehead Town Council spokesperson said: “We are very pleased to have a share of this funding which means local authorities can provide specialised toilet facilities enabling everyone to get out and about and enjoy visits to places like Minehead.”

As co-chairmen of the Changing Places Consortium, the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK has been campaigning for the installation of more Changing Places toilets in the UK and has been supporting the Government with this programme. The charity will be providing specialist expertise to support local councils that have won funding.

Support officers at the charity will provide SWT with dedicated advice and information. They will provide a Changing Places practical guide and informative specialist training sessions, as well as connecting authorities and facilitating a collaborative network. Suppliers and installation companies will also be signposted by the Changing Places support officers.

Robert Burley, director of care, communications and cupport at MDUK, said: “We look forward to supporting Somerset West and Taunton as part of our support for councils that have been awarded the funding with their Changing Places toilet installations, because they really do make a world of difference to those who depend on them.”