Cotswold District Council has been awarded funding of more than £160,000 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to create accessible toilet facilities for people with severe disabilities.

Cllr Jenny Forde, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are thrilled to have been successful with a bid of £162,500 to install four new Changing Places toilets across the district. Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability and for too long the lack of suitable toilet facilities has meant disabled people have faced major difficulties when they go out, travel or shop.

"Our public spaces and visitor attractions provide fantastic opportunities to get out and see our beautiful district, and it is only right that everyone can enjoy them. We want our towns and attractions to be accessible places to live and visit for everyone and this funding will allow us to improve the quality of life for many of our residents and visitors.

"We have worked with a number of local businesses and Cirencester Town Council to develop the successful bid for this funding and make sure we have a number of these great facilities placed across the district for people to use."

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard facilities.

They are equipped with hoists, curtains and adult-sized changing benches, and can support both users, their families and carers. With more equipment and extra space disabled users are able to be safer and more comfortable when using the facilities.

The funding will be used to implement Changing Places Toilet facilities at Abbey Grounds (Cirencester), Birdland Park and Gardens (Bourton-On-The-Water), Cotswold Farm Park (Guiting Power) and Cotswold Country Park and Beach (Shorncote).

The council hopes to have all four changing places toilets completed within the next twelve months.