Lancaster is the latest railway station to benefit from an accessible toilet for disabled people, usually called a Changing Places toilet.

With funding from Avanti West Coast and Lancashire County Council, the station is the latest location to provide a dedicated toilet and changing facility for disabled people to improve accessible facilities on Britain’s railways.

The new facility on Lancaster station’s platform 3 was officially opened by the Member of Parliament for Lancaster and Wyre, Cat Smith MP.

As a dedicated Changing Places toilet, it is larger than a standard accessible toilet.

It features a height-adjustable changing bench, hoist, adjustable sink, shower, and extra space for wheelchairs and carers.

A RADAR key is required to access the toilet, which is open during the station’s opening hours from 05:00 to 23:30 Monday to Saturday and 09:00 to 22:45 on Sundays.

Avanti West Coast contributed £87,000 from its Accessibility Fund towards the new facility and Lancashire County Council contributed £50,000.

It is the sixth Changing Places toilet at Avanti West Coast’s stations on the West Coast Main Line and is part of a programme to improve accessibility at key sites across the region.

As well as at stations on the West Coast Main Line, Changing Places toilets are being installed on the wider UK railway network, including at Ely in Cambridgeshire and Edinburgh Waverley.

”Changing Places toilets enable more customers to use the railway safely and comfortably, who without these facilities would not be able to enjoy the benefits of rail travel.

Phil Cameron, Commercial Projects Director at First Rail

“I am delighted to officially open the new Changing Places’ facility at Lancaster Railway Station and sincerely thank Avanti and Lancashire County Council for delivering this vital improvement at our station. This new facility will go a long way in accommodating all rail users with disabilities. Accessible spaces and improvements like this, allow everyone to travel with greater ease and dignity and is a step in the right direction towards better inclusivity and access to public transportation in Lancaster and beyond.”

Cat Smith MP