Lib-Dems - change in Spindles ownership represents chance for new Changing Places toilet

Councillor Louie Hamblett

Oldham Council is currently consulting the public on its future plans for the Spindles Shopping Centre, and Liberal Democrat Councillor Louie Hamblett is hoping that the Council’s purchase of Spindles represents the chance to install a new Changing Places toilet.

Cllr Hamblett also hopes that new accessible toilet signage will be installed to make the town centre shopping experience more welcoming for everyone.

Cllr Hamblett and his Liberal Democrat colleague, Councillor Hazel Gloster, brought a motion to the September 2020 Oldham Council meeting in support of the Crohn’s and Colitis UK campaign ‘Not every disability is visible’, seeking new toilet signage that makes clear that not everyone who uses a disabled toilet has an obvious visible disability. 

The motion also called for ‘Changing Places’ toilets which provide better facilities to meet the needs of more profoundly disabled people to be fitted in major Council buildings.

Cllr Hamblett said: “Now that the Council has bought Spindles, I hope to see new toilet signage and a Changing Places Toilet fitted within the centre. 

"The Liberal Democrats want to see ‘Not every disability is visible’ signage installed on all the accessible toilets across the council’s property portfolio.

"This signage helps to educate the public and staff that not everyone who uses an accessible toilet has an obvious disability and asks them to be more understanding of people who do so.

“Changing Places toilets meet the needs of all people with a disability that some standard accessible toilets do not.

"People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably, and this equipment and space is provided within a Changing Places toilet.”

Councillor Hamblett added: “As we hopefully emerge from lockdown later this year, it is important Oldham is welcoming to all of its residents and visitors. 

"The Spindles and Town Square shopping centres, our award-winning cinema, art gallery and library, the Oldham Sports Centre and the Tommyfield Market are likely to be amongst the places they will want to visit. 

"I hope that Oldham Council will ensure that these town centre buildings are equipped with the right toilet facilities and signage to provide for the needs of all our disabled guests when they do so.”

Members of the public can, if they wish, comment in support of Councillor Hamblett’s call for new accessible toilets for the Spindles at: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/s/jjyf1 

The closing date is March 8, 2021.

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