THE MUM of a disabled toddler faces being forced to change her daughter on toilet floors due to lack of suitable facilities when out and about in Leamington.
Emily Smith – whose daughter suffers from cerebral palsy – can often be faced with a dilemma of where to change four year-old Chloe in the town. She fears the problem will only get worse as she grows older.
After speaking to other parents in a similar position, Emily and friend Francesca Anker have launched a petition calling for a toilet complete with hoist and changing bed to be built in the town centre.
And residents seem to agree with the duo, as the petition has gained nearly 700 signatures in a matter of days.
Mum-of-two, 33 year-old Emily said: “There is nowhere in Leamington to change a disabled and incontinent child or adult.
“I am lucky at the minute because my child is only four, I go against the weight limits of baby changing tables but that is not the story for lots of local families. I know some people who have to change in the back of the car or toilet floors and this is denying the basic needs of people who are already in a horrific situation.”
Warwick District Council have not ruled out building the facility in future but say currently there is nowhere in the town with enough room.
A spokeswoman told the Observer: “This is something we could look into when we look at developments such as the cultural quarter down by the Pump Rooms.”
