Four new specialist toilet and changing facilities have opened along the Essex Sunshine Coast.

Changing Places facilities have been built in Brightlingsea, Clacton, Frinton and Holland-on-Sea by Tendring District Council (TDC).

A Changing Places facility is for people who cannot use traditional disabled toilets and include hoists, height-adjustable changing tables and sinks, and shower facilities too.

The four new amenities join five existing ones in Tendring, and anyone wishing to apply for a key to access them can apply on the TDC website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/leisure/seafront-and-beaches/changing-places.

Peter Kotz, TDC Cabinet Member for Assets, said the facilities were a lifeline for many people

“For people with complex needs a day out to the seaside can be a huge challenge, trying to plan in things many of us take for granted such as using the toilet,” Cllr Kotz said.

“Having nine Changing Places facilities around our district opens up the area as a visitor destination for people coming from near and far, meaning everyone can enjoy our beautiful Essex Sunshine Coast.”

Grant funding of £300,000 from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities paid for the new facilities in Brightlingsea, Clacton and Holland Haven; while Essex County Council’s Short Breaks service, which supports disabled children in the county, funded the site in Frinton.

Full details of the locations of Changing Places facilities, and how to access them, can be found on the national website at www.changing-places.org/find.