EXTRA provisions are set to be made for people with physical and mental health difficulties as part of a major revamp at a Pendle park.

County council bosses have selected Victoria Park, Nelson, for their ‘Changing Places’ programme, an initiative designed to offer more freedom to those with life-limiting conditions.

Initially the likes of Nelson Library and the town’s bus station had been considered but both were rejected because of access difficulties.

But the park is said to be ideal for the venue, which mirrors similar Changing Place schemes in Chorley, Preston and Accrington.

An estimated 92,000 people use the park each year and it borders three Pendle wards.

Under the umbrella of a community interest company, Julie Hoole and Petra Wilson have been refurbishing the pavilion there over the past couple of years.

Now County Coun Tony Mart, the cabinet member for adult and community services, has approved a £15,000 grant to install specialist toilet and changing facilities at the heart of the venue.

Steve Gross, adult and community service director, said in a report: “The pavilion is currently being re-opened via a public enterprise to provide community facilities ancillary to those in the park.

“Some funding has been secured for the conversion of the building to provide modern facilities and those plans include the provision of a Changing Place facility.

“The need for this facility has been identified during the course of a public opinion survey by parents of disabled children who are limited in their use of the park and its facilities due to the lack of suitable toilet and changing facilities.

“It is likely similar concerns would apply for adults with similar disabilities.”

The plan was widely welcomed by groups including the local learning disability and physical disability boards, carers forum and older people’s forum.