Changing Places Toilet officially opened in West Bay

Bridport Mayor Dave Bolwell officially opened the Changing Places Toilets (CPT) in West Bay.

The new toilet and changing space is in the long stay car park at the bus station, adjacent to the existing toilet facilities.

A CPT is a fully accessible facility with a height-adjustable changing bench and hand basin, a hoisting system and, a peninsular toilet, with enough space for the disabled person, a wheelchair and two carers.

Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Dave Bolwell, said: “These two wonderful facilities, one at Bridport Bus Station and another adjacent to the award-winning accessible playground at West Bay Road Car Park, will provide safe and hygienic changing facilities for residents and visitors with significant accessibility needs. 

"The town council is proud to have delivered them and to commit to their management and maintenance for the future."

A spokesperson for Bridport Town Council said: "Having two such toilets within Bridport and West Bay means that for those that need access to such a resource we are amongst the best-served places in the country. Once again where Bridport Town Council leads others follow.

"Over 250,000 people in the UK need CPT to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities which many of us take for granted."

Terri Foxwell,Tourist Information Centre Manager, who submitted the bid to gain Levelling Up funds for the project, alongside Tim Smith from the grounds team, Mayor Dave Bolwell and town surveyor Daryl Chambers (Image: Bridport Town Council)

Another facility was opened at West Bay Holiday Park in the Touring Block in 2023.

The toilet also features night time pictures taken by local photographer Neil Barnes.

To gain access users must have a radar key, which are widely available, to unlock the toilet, and access is controlled by a keypad.

The PIN number is available from the TIC during office hours Monday to Saturday 01308 424901, and via 07946 579650 at other times.

Neil Barnes, Bridport & West Bay Photographer with his aerial night time photo of West Bay, his daughter Lucy and Bridport Tourist Information Centre Manager Terri Foxwell (Image: Bridport Town Council)

The new facility is part of a scheme for which Dorset Council received £450,00 from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

It was designed by local architect Kim Sankey and constructed by local builders DJ Chutter with the support of the Bridport Town Council grounds team.

The CPT in West Bay is adjacent to the award-winning accessible playground and will provide a safe and hygienic place for users of beach wheelchairs to get changed before and after taking to the beach and sea via the beach matting.

Read more: West Bay wheelchair-friendly beach matting to expand