Public toilets

Other public toilets

Public toilets can also be found at some of our Leisure website: leisure centres, libraries and parks (Chester-le-Street Riverside Park, Wharton Park and Hardwick Park). 

Cleaning programme

How often we clean and service our public toilets, depends on where it is and how much they are used. In very busy areas, some are cleaned several times a day, whilst others may only need servicing once a day. 

To avoid vandalism, the majority of our sites have limited opening times and are closed at night.

RADAR Key (National key scheme)

RADAR keys offer independent access to disabled people to around 4,000 locked public toilets around the country.

The economy radar key looks like a normal key and therefore can be discreetly carried along with other keys. The key can be purchased by anybody with a disability (no proof of disability required). 

For more information on RADAR Keys, please see Disability Rights UK: RADAR Keys.

Changing Places toilets

County Durham now has several Changing Places toilets (CPTs) owned and managed by DCC.  In addition to this there are several privately operated CPTs, for example, in shopping centres and retail outlets.

About Changing Places toilets

CPTs provide sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two assistants with them.  CPTs are larger and in addition to standard accessible toilets with equipment such as:

• Ceiling track hoist,
• adult-sized, height adjustable changing bench,
• peninsula toilet with grab rails,
• privacy screen,
• wide paper roll for the bench,
• shower (some locations),
• slip resistant floor covering,
• space for a disabled person and up to 2 carers.

Provision of CPTs gives people with complex needs and their carers the opportunity to plan ahead and enjoy days out.

Where to find our Changing Places toilets

• Leisure Centre:
  • Freeman's Quay, Durham
  • Louisa Centre, Stanley
  • Newton Aycliffe
  • Consett
  • Spennymoor
  • Chester le Street
• Hardwick Park, Sedgefield
• Dunes Café, Crimdon
• The Story, Durham
• Durham Bus Station

We are continuing to identify gaps in CPT provision and aim to increase the number of facilities across the county going forward.  You can find more information on existing facilities, including the location of your nearest CPT at Find Changing Places Toilets.