Two beauty spots in Clitheroe have become fully accessible thanks to a £156,000 toilet scheme.

Changing Places facilities have now been fitted at Clitheroe Castle Park and Edisford riverbank, ensuring they are fully accessible for those with severe disabilities.

These individuals previously faced the uncalled-for choice of staying at home, not drinking enough water on outings, or using unsuitable and undignified toilet spots.

The inclusive toilet modifications were installed by Ribble Valley Borough Council in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK and funded by the Government’s Changing Places scheme.

The new facilities come equipped with hoists, curtains, showers, grab rails, adult-sized changing benches, privacy screens, and space for carers.

Chair of Ribble Valley Council’s community services committee, Councillor Stuart Hirst, said: "People with severe disabilities or restricted mobility cannot use standard accessible toilets, as they do not provide changing benches or hoists and most are too small to accommodate more than one person.

"This means they face major barriers to going out, or their carer has to change them in unsuitable facilities, which is unhygienic and undignified."

Ribble Valley's record of being a friendly and welcoming borough has been boosted by these changes.

Care has been taken to support the maximum number of visitors to these popular locales.

Adam Allen, the council’s director of community services, added: "The Clitheroe Castle Park and Edisford are very popular and already provide some inclusive facilities, including wheelchair and pushchair-friendly walkways, and dedicated riverbank blue badge parking.

"But we want to continue making the borough’s public spaces as accessible as possible and these toilets will extend a warm welcome to people with severe disabilities".

The location of Changing Places toilets nationwide can be found on their website.