An error by North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC) meant that Wingerworth Parish Council has now missed out on the opportunity to install a disabled toilet.
The application was for portion of a £30 million Government fund aimed at installing life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in public spaces across the country.
According to Wings Magazine (see article here) there are currently 1,200 registered Changing Places toilets in England. The toilests are larger and more accessible. They are fitted with hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. These spaces make a huge difference to peoples lives.
Wingerworth Parish Council (WPC) declared it's interest to NEDDC, however the body who was managing the applications somehow faile to submit it before the deadline. They did manage to secure the grants for Kilamarsh and Sharley Park sports centres.
NEDDC commented, "We do acknowledge we could have communicated with WPC better regarding the scheme and our submission and have apologised on the matter".
This is a huge shame and a great loss for our community as the Parish Council embarks on its long awaited refurb of its building.
Frank Adlington-Stringer, Wingerworth Parish Councillor, said, "This is quite frankly terrible. NEDDC have yet again failed in their basic duty. You wouldn't believe how many of the problems we, WPC, have that are the fault of NEDDC. They take months to complete basic jobs, often fail to communicate and regularly let us down. Its unnacceptable and it has a real impact on the people of Wingerworth".
At the last WPC meeting it was revealed that NEDDC had been charging us thousands above the going market rate for the maintainance of the cricket field. This is yet again another example of poor management, and further errodes my levels of confidence and trust in the administration there.