Echo readers call for more accessible facilities in public places as Changing Places survey reveals lack of options

Research by Changing Places shows that Waitrose, M&S, Aldi, Lidl, Iceland and Co-op do not have a single registered fully-accessible toilet, according to a report by the Press Association.

We asked in our daily poll on Facebook: “Do you think more needs to be done to provide accessible facilities in public places?”

At time of writing, 1,200 Echo readers had taking part – with 91% stating that more should be done to provide accessible facilities.

Kirsty Marie Luther said: “Lidl on Boldon Lane has a fully accessible toilet. I do think more of the big shops need them.”

One reader added: “Of course more needs to be done.

“If an establishment is going to install toilets but doesn’t have room for male, female and an accessible toilet, then the default should be an accessible toilet.

“Live in their shoes for a day and you will see why.”

Rachael Branthwaite said: “They're talking about changing places and toilets not just disabled toilets – the ones with a bed and ceiling hoist to change older children and adults with profound disabilities a lot of businesses fear that they will be misused, but using the radar key could help that.”

Tracy Hall said: “Can you imagine going shopping with your disabled child and having nowhere suitable to change them.

“You have two options, give up and go home or lay them on the toilet floor!”