Date: 03/07/2006
Hands-on dads now have baby changing facilities at their fingertips thanks to family-friendly improvements at Buxton's busiest public toilets.
Better services - for parents, disabled people, local residents and visitors alike - are on offer at the toilets in Sylvan car park as part of High Peak Borough Council's £200,000 investment programme to upgrade and improve facilities across the district.
The Sylvan block has been completely redesigned to include baby changing facilities in both the men's and women's toilets and easier access for disabled people. Other improvements are new tiling, sanitary ware and cubicles.
Environment-conscious features such as low energy lighting, water efficient appliances and 'touchless' taps and flushes have also been installed to boost hygiene, conserve resources and cut running costs.
"While we are not bound by law to provide public toilets, we know they are a top priority for many local people and create a better impression for tourists visiting the area," said Councillor Glynis Kirk, Executive Member for the Environment.
"That's why we have decided to respond to their concerns, by investing in existing facilities and providing new ones to upgrade services for everyone in the borough, starting in Buxton.
"We're delighted that we've been able to complete work at Sylvan to provide these family-friendly and environmentally-efficient improvements on time and to budget, to coincide with the start of the busy summer season."
The new baby changing facilities for dads have been welcomed by David Jeffries, of Chapel-en-le-Frith, who has a six-month-old son, George.
"Times have changed, and these days fathers are much more hands on when it comes to caring for their children," said David.
"Toilets with baby changing facilities for men are few and far between, so it's great to know that the Borough Council is listening and responding to modern needs. George and I will certainly be making good use of them!"
The baby changing facilities for men have been installed in Buxton as a pilot project, and if they prove popular may be extended to other toilets in the borough.
Existing toilets are set to be upgraded in Charlesworth, Chinley, Hadfield and New Mills, while a new one is to be installed at Chapel-en-le-Frith.