Tom enjoying the mobile changing places toilet at Lancashire Encounter

A toilet allowing disabled people to be changed and looked after in Preston city centre has moved a step closer.

Preston City Council is being asked to meet an increase in the cost of the Changing Places facility.

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It would be built in Chapel Yard, between Fleet Street and Friargate, and is kitted out with special hoists and other equipment to allow those with disabilities to access the toilet.

A report to the city council’s cabinet outlines why there has been a delay in providing the Changing Places toilet.

Council officers write: “As detailed design on this facility has progressed in the intervening period, initial costs for providing the unit have increased, whilst the presence of easements crossing the position of the proposed unit have necessitated changes to the original design.

“A number of major utility services cross the site of the proposed Changing Places facility and whilst a building can be sited to avoid most of these, the structure would still be located within the easement required by the utilities to gain access to maintain or repair their service should the need arise.”

Lancashire County Council is due to buy the toilet, which will now be a mobile unit, rather than a permanent structure.

This means like for the Lancashire Encounter the toilet can be moved around the city.

Read more: How Changing Places toilet made this lad’s Lancashire Encounter

The county council will cover the costs for the first three years of running the toilet and it then moves to the city council’s budget.

Officers state the mobile unit should be ordered and delivered in time for Spring 2017 and the council will need to apply for planning permission for each location it is sited.

Councillors are due to discuss the proposal on Wednesday 14 December at a meeting of the city council’s cabinet.

What do you think about the decision to go for a mobile unit? Let us know your views in the comments below