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DISABLED access to the Littleton Gardens public toilet cubicle has been made easier – and Australian Standards compliant.
In February, the BDN reported on difficulties wheelchair-bound local Ian Dalwood was encountering when accessing the public toilet (21/2).
Mr Dalwood said having the disabled entry and exit buttons at the same height as those on the non-disabled male and female cubicles was “outrageous”.
In fact, it was discovered the disabled cubicle entry button was well above the height set down by Australian Standards.
Moodie Outdoor Products, which supplied the loo, carried out work late last week to lower the external entry button for the disabled cubicle by 100mm.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s Littleton Gardens project manager, Andrew Stewart, said Moodie also repaired and replaced items that had been vandalised, including two signs and an external LED button.
A valve that had stuck open on the disabled toilet flush and a broken light bulb, also in the disabled cubicle were replaced.
Both are believed to have been the result of vandalism.
At the request of the BVSC, Moodie also installed three roof vents - one for each cubicle.
Mr Stewart said the cost to lower the disabled cubicle entry button was borne by Moodie.
However, vandals are costing the council and ratepayers, with the remainder of the work carried out yet to be invoiced, but estimated to be between $1500-2000.
Mr Stewart said all three cubicles are clean, efficient and operating 7am until 7pm.
“Unfortunately, at this stage, the disabled/unisex cubicle is not open overnight, as was originally intended, due to vandalism,” he said.
“The toilets continue to function properly with the Town Team - and the majority of user feedback we get - being positive.”