A town mayor has spoken of his pride to open a new and inclusive toilet facility at a Suffolk museum this week.

Terence Carter, the mayor of Stowmarket, opened a set of new toilet facilities at the Food Museum in Stowmarket on Thursday. 

The new toilet block includes a new Changing Places toilet, which supports the needs of visitors with disabilities and carers, and includes washing and changing facilities such as a hoist, changing bench and shower.

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The toilets will be free for both Stowmarket town centre and museum visitors during the premises opening hours.

The facilities were designed by Modece Architects and built by Stowe Building Contractors.

Mr Carter said: "I am delighted to officially open the new Changing Places toilet at the Food Museum. This facility represents a significant movement towards inclusivity for our town.

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"With over 14 million people in the UK living with a disability, and more than 250,000 of us relying on Changing Places toilets, it is crucial that we provide the necessary amenities to support their needs.

"This new toilet not only enhances the accessibility of the museum but also ensures that Stowmarket is a welcoming place for everyone.

"I'm flushed with pride to have had some small part in aiding in this project and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in bringing this into reality."

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Jenny Cousins, museum director, said: "Having good-quality toilets is important to all our visitors, and helps to make the museum a welcoming place for all."

She added: "Some people struggle to go out unless they know that there are appropriate facilities available to them, such as a Changing Places toilet. We’ve had people who have told us that this is the difference between them being able to visit or not.

"With the addition of the Changing Places toilet, we are proud to play our part in improving the experience of the town centre in Stowmarket for local people and visitors alike."