People with disabilities travelling to and from Lancaster Railway Station will soon benefit from a dedicated toilet and changing facility after funding was agreed.
Lancashire County Council will provide £50,000 towards the Changing Places facility as part of its programme to improve accessibility at key sites.
Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets and include equipment such as a changing bench, shower and hoist to support people with a range of disabilities.
This facility will be installed and operated by Avanti West Coast, who manage the station and are contributing £112,000 towards the project.
County Councillor Alan Vincent, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, HR and property, said: "I'm pleased we're providing funding towards this much-needed facility working in partnership with Avanti West Coast.
"Standard accessible toilets meet the needs of some people with disabilities, but not everyone.
"There are over 230,000 people in the United Kingdom who need assistance to use the toilet or change continence pads, including people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, spinal injuries and people who have suffered strokes.
"Many people find themselves in the unacceptable and undignified position of having to wait until they get home or having to change continence pads on public toilet floors.
"However, Changing Places toilets have the right equipment to ensure people who need assistance, and their carers have superb facilities in easily accessible locations.
"Lancaster Railway Station is a key transport hub with an annual footfall of more than 2 million, so it's vital that this facility is being installed here."
Matthew Worman, regional growth manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We want the railway to be accessible for all and are pleased to be working with the county council to provide a facility that meets the needs of people with disabilities.
“This investment is part of Avanti West Coast’s commitment to enable independent travel for everyone. Once complete, we’re sure this facility will improve the overall experience for disabled customers when travelling to and from Lancaster.”
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
