Cockermouth has been awarded £44,000 funding towards a toilet for severely disabled people - which could be created in a town park.

Changing Places Toilets are larger accessible toilets for severely disabled people, with equipment such as hoists, changing benches and space for carers.

A £30m Changing Places Toilet funding was announced by the Government in 2021. Cockermouth Town Council submitted an expression of interest and Allerdale Borough Council recently confirmed that its bid had been successful, with an award of £44,000.

At a recent meeting, councillors heard that the town clerk Sheila Brown had arranged a number of informal visits with approved suppliers and obtained indicative costings to demolish the old toilet block in the Memorial Gardens, install a new path and supply, deliver and commission a new modular toilet block.

She also estimated the ongoing revenue implications.

Councillors also considered a quotation from a consultant, to oversee the tender/evaluation process, planning process and project management of the scheme.

This was discussed in private. Following the meeting, Mrs Brown said: "A lengthy discussion ensued regarding whether or not the scheme was needed, the potential costs and location of the scheme."

It was resolved that the town clerk explores the suitability and costs of converting the existing building prior to any decision being made on demolition/new build.

Mayor Andrew Semple said: "The issue is really the ongoing costs. The grant would not cover all the costs.

"We are all agreed that something needs to be done with the toilet block. We need to look into whether it could be refurbished - or should we start from scratch?

"We need expert advice before making a decision."

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