A SHOPPING centre has launched its new sensory room and disabled changing facilities.

The room at Charter Walk Shopping Centre was available for shoppers to tour during after being officially opened by Burnley mayor Anne Kelly.

Charter Walk began work on the sensory room in October after securing over £55,000 from Burnley Council as part of a grant given to Lancashire County Council to invest in social care projects.

Mayor Anne Kelly opened the facility following a short ceremony on Tuesday, designated national Purple Tuesday which focuses on changing the shopping experience for disabled people.

The centre’s ‘autism champions’ were available throughout the day answering shoppers questions regarding the facilities.

The room has been specifically designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for shoppers suffering with sensory overload away from the hustle and bustle of the centre and features state of the art Changing Places facilities.

Changing Places provides specially designed toilets that are different to accessible toilets as they have a range of equipment and design features to help disabled people use the bathroom in comfort.

The Changing Places facilities at Charter Walk will include a lie down bed suitable for adults and a hoist and will be the only facilities of their kind for almost 10 miles.

Centre manager, Debbie Hernon said: “Our aim is to make a real difference at the centre and make Charter Walk more accessible for disabled shoppers and we feel this sensory room will aid in doing so.

“I can’t wait to see the centre blossom throughout the next twelve months.”

For more information on the services at the centre visit the website: www.charterwalk.com, or visit www.facebook.co.uk/charterwalk.burnley