DISABLED people will be able to enjoy a summer festival in Kirklees.

Many feel they cannot attend events like galas, fairs and music festivals because they cannot use standard toilets.

This includes people with learning disabilities, some people who have had a severe stroke, older people or those who have sustained head injuries.

But Dewsbury Festival in the Park on July 17 and 18 will, for the first time, have a fully accessible Changing Place toilet, with adult changing facilities.

It will enable many more people to enjoy performances from Gabriella Cilmi, the Magic of Motown and many more at Crow Nest Park.

Pat Robinson, mum and carer, said: “It will be nice for Helen to be able to join in a community event – she is usually excluded because of a lack of facilities.

“We hope as many people as possible who need a Changing Place will come along and enjoy the weekend. Let’s show that a Changing Place is needed at other events and show that we need permanent Changing Place loos in many other settings and venues throughout Kirklees.”

Clr Molly Walton, Cabinet member for Adult Services said: “Kirklees Council is committed to removing barriers and enabling people with disabilities to take part in everyday life.

“I am delighted that the Changing Place toilet will let many more people attend the festival and that Helen and others will now have the facilities they need.

“I hope this is the beginning of a further expansion of this initiative.”

Kirklees Learning Disability Partnership Board, Children and Young Peoples Service and Communities and Leisure Service have hired the portable Changing Place from Sheffield Council.