DISABLED people and their carers could benefit from a proposal for a new £80,000 Changing Places toilet.

The Changing Places toilet set for Cornmarket car park will consist of adapted bathroom equipment to aid people with a variety of disabilities and special educational needs.

It will include a large accessible toilet with equipment such as hoists, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.

READ MORE: Air ambulance called to medical emergency in St Johns

There is a national programme of investment in Changing Places toilets and Worcester City Council was successful in securing £60,000 in Government funding to add the extra facility into the city centre.

Due to rising building costs since the funding application, a further £20,000 is now needed to carry out the work, which is expected to be completed later this year.

Cllr Robyn Norfolk, Worcester City Council’s member champion for equality, diversity and inclusion said: “We hope that councillors will approve the release of the additional funds needed to deliver a new Changing Places Toilet right in the heart of the city centre.

"We know how vital it is for many people with disabilities and their carers to have access to a facility like this.

"The Council hopes to deliver more inclusive facilities over the next few years as part of its commitment to ensuring Worcester is an accessible city for everyone.”

Members of the Policy and Resources Committee will be asked to approve the additional funding requirement at a meeting later this month.

Cornmarket car park has been chosen as the location for the new toilet as it is in a central location with access to retail and grocery shopping and also entertainment such as cinemas, restaurants, pubs and cafes.

It also has adjacent disabled parking spaces.

READ MORE: Police in Dent Close during day Operation Sceptre

Worcester already has two Changing Places facilities in the city, which are available in the Hive and on the University of Worcester's St John’s campus.

The Changing Places Consortium, which was established in 2005, is a group of organisations and individuals who work to support the rights of people with disabilities.

The heart of the campaign is the call for Changing Places toilets to be installed in all big public spaces.