A NEW changing facility and toilet for disabled visitors has been officially opened at Bridges.

After numerous events put on by the Building Bridges project that works with young people with disabilities, a need became apparent for a decent changing area.

A grant from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) enabled Bridges to turn the then Kymin lounge into a meeting room and base for children's activities. While the builders were on site, a decision was made to break through a wall to create the changing room.

After the room was built, funds were needed for the equipment.

The campaign to raise funds for the equipment has been supported by many in Monmouth. Lloyds Bank awarded £2,000 from their community fund. Lisa Bailey completed a half marathon raising £900. Fred Weston from Bridges also raised £700 after taking part in the cycle sportif dressed as a green dragon.

Monmouthshire Building Society donated £1,000 from their community fund and charity MAGIC provided a lot of the impetus for the development.

Help also came from the Rockfield Boys of Monmouth after they raised £1,050 by holding a 1960s dance evening at the Bridges Centre last October.

Mark Walton, centre director of Bridges, said: "As can be seen, this was a real collective and community effort to achieve something which we can all be proud of, and will enable people with complex disabilities to use toilet facilities without having to be changed on the floor and enable them to take part in a wider range of abilities with dignity."

The changing facilities were opened by Mayor Jane Gunter.