Last week I was honoured to attend the fiftieth anniversary of the Rotary Club of Cheltenham North at the Queen’s Hotel.
As with Cheltenham’s other two Rotary clubs, despite the pandemic they continued their work to raise money for good causes in the town. Those included raising £13,000 to buy a vehicle for Community Connexions with wheelchair accessibility, and supporting the planting of 100 trees to mark the centenary of Rotary in Cheltenham. It has required sheer hard work and adaptability, and I salute all three local clubs for their commitment to the welfare of others – here at home and also now in Ukraine.
On that theme of accessibility, I am delighted that following Government grants of more than £380m to support Cheltenham through the pandemic, more funding has been secured for the town.
Specifically, £210,000 is being provided for more “Changing Places” toilets in Cheltenham. These are larger accessible toilets for disabled people who cannot use standard facilities. They are equipped with hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and can support both users, their families, and carers.
The new toilets can be delivered across a range of public venues, ensuring those with severe disabilities have the resources they need to enjoy Cheltenham’s amenities. This latest grant builds on the past success in securing funding for a specialised “Changing Places” toilet in Pittville Park.
It means we are step closer to making Cheltenham truly accessible for all – something which I believe should be a special priority for us, given the valued local presence of National Star College and St Vincent’s & St George’s.
And there was further good news when Leckhampton Rovers FC were awarded £428,000 in Government, Premier League and FA funding to help transform its Burrows Playing Fields home. The money has been used for extensive grass pitch works and the refurbishment of a changing room pavilion.
By working together, from government to the grassroots, we can build a bright future for all in Cheltenham.
[Column published in the Glos Echo]