An accessible toilet in Blackburn has been vandalised ahead of its official opening. Those responsible have been told they should “feel ashamed of themselves”.

A Changing Places toilet, a facility for disabled people that can’t use other toilets, was set to open at Witton Park. With more space than usual, as well as additional features including specialised changing facilities, it makes the toilet accessible to all.

A father and son, who have been campaigning for more Changing Places toilets across the UK, say they are “mad and disappointed” at the news.

Zack KerrZack Kerr (Image: NQ) The council said it is now facing “huge delays” before it can officially open. Pictures show panels on the exterior of the toilet have been damaged and kicked off.

Zack Kerr, from Oswaldtwistle, has cerebral palsy and has spent years campaigning for more funding and facilities with step-father Ceri Davies.

Zack said: “I am very mad at someone do that to a Changing Places toilet. It is not good for Blackburn.”

Ceri said they are both disappointed and is encouraging the public to be mindful of how much these facilities mean to people.

He said: “It’s heartbreaking. I went to see the facility in July and the site was nearly finished then. It’s really disappointing that the site has been damaged so badly that it can’t open.

“These facilities cost a lot of money and they are put there to make our parks and town more accessible. It’s mindless vandalism.

“Some have said it's been targeted maliciously because it’s a disabled toilet. I would like to think this isn’t the case. I think it’s been targeted because it’s something new and something to do.”

Ceri said the council approached them for advice on where to open a Changing Places toilet and Witton Park was mentioned.

He said: “Lancashire’s parks were huge areas where people got out to spend time. It was an obvious place to put one.

“We want to thank Blackburn with Darwen councillors for getting involved in the project and improving facilities in the borough.

“I want to appeal to people’s better nature to be more mindful of how much these facilities mean to people. The facilities really are life-changing as they allow people who can’t access other toilets are able to travel around.

“Anyone could become disabled, needing a wheelchair and access to a toilet like this, for themselves one day.”

Blackburn with Darwen councillor, Jim Casey, assistant executive member for environment and communities, said: ‘It’s such a shame that a facility meant to be inclusive to all has been damaged before it’s able to open.

“This is one of four toilets in the borough that offers those with disabilities or additional needs a suitable option.

“With so many people visiting Witton Park, I expect it to be well used, however we are now facing a huge delay due to the actions of one or more people in our community. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

Earlier this year, two otherChanging Places facilities opened at Blackburn Cathedral and Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park.

The facilities, including the Witton Park site, have been funded through the Government’s Levelling Up fund. The council was awarded £222,000 to make them happen.

The Blackburn Cathedral Changing Places is located on the ground floor in the Crypt. This facility can be accessed from the café entrance or via lift from the Temple Gallery.

At Rovers, the Changing Places toilet is located outside of the stadium, in a self-contained unit at the Blackburn end.