Relief is Here for Valley Shoppers

Waiwhakaiho Valley’s long-awaited public toilets are now reality.

The new facility was opened last week as part of a drive to improve accessibility in the popular shopping centre.

The changes are part of a partnership between New Plymouth District Council and GBG Management Trust, the centre’s manager.

NPDC Disability Issues Working Party Chairman Lance Girling-Butcher says the development is great news.

“This may seem a small thing to some; however for the disabled and elderly it is important, and so are some of the other improvements in the valley.

“We keep chipping away at these things and while individually the changes may seem minor, collectively they amount to significant improvements,” says Mr Girling-Butcher.

The issue of public toilets at The Valley shopping centre has been raised a number of times by the public, including Marion Wellington of the Disabled Persons Assembly following a mobility forum.

Manager Consents Ralph Broad says having public toilets available will take the pressure of those private businesses in The Valley who made their facilities available to the general public.

“There was no requirement for the owners to provide toilets: They’ve chosen to do it for the community good, which is great to see,” says Mr Broad.