‘Disappointment’ in Castlederg due to Changing Places funding delay

£25,000 of funding for new state-of-the-art Changing Places facilities for Castlederg have been delayed.

Correspondence from the Minister for Communities, Deidre Hargey detailed that the funding for the facilities  will not be drawn down.

The construction costs will now be paid for in full by Derry City and Strabane District Council, as part of a package of accessibility and facility improvement projects.

Changing Places toilets help people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis  who often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.

Derg Cllr Steven Edwards has said that the delay is a particular ‘disappointment’ due to the lack of access in the village to disabled and public toilets, and that the work should not have to solely paid for by rates payers.

Cllr Edwards commented, “This is hugely disappointing for the wider Castlederg area which is currently without any disabled public toilets or any public toilets altogether for that matter.

“We were promised this facility years ago which would be great for the town. Disability campaigners in particular and the parents of children with disabilities,  have contacted me expressing great frustration of the lack of public toilets in the town.

“This news is yet another set back for them. We’ve seen Strabane draw down this funding and open a Changing Places facility in recent weeks so it begs to question why Castlederg has fallen behind. Logic would tell you both should be done in tandem.

“I’ve outlined my concerns to Council Officers regarding this latest development. Money was set aside from DFC to pay for this facility. Now it looks like ratepayers will be footing the bill which is unacceptable.”