Inclusive toilet facilities are to be built in top attractions across the Cotswolds.

The District Council has been awarded funding of over £160,000 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to build the facilities which will benefit people with severe disabilities.

Bourton and Guiting Power are among the towns and villages which will receive the new facilities.

Councillor Jenny Forde, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are thrilled to have been successful with a bid of £162,500 to install four new Changing Places toilets across the district.

“Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability and for too long the lack of suitable toilet facilities has meant disabled people have faced major difficulties when they go out, travel or shop.”

She added: “Our public spaces and visitor attractions provide fantastic opportunities to get out and see our beautiful district, and it is only right that everyone can enjoy them. We want our towns and attractions to be accessible places to live and visit for everyone and this funding will allow us to improve the quality of life for many of our residents and visitors.

“We have worked with a number of local businesses and Cirencester Town Council to develop the successful bid for this funding and make sure we have a number of these great facilities placed across the district for people to use.”

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets designed for people who cannot use standard facilities.

As such they are equipped with hoists, curtains and adult-sized changing benches, and can support both users, their families and carers.

The new facilities will be built at Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton and Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, as well as at Abbey Ground in Cirencester and Shorncote’s Cotswold Country Park and Beach.

It is hoped that all four toilets will be completed within the next twelve months.