A carers group is urging people to sign a petition to bring a fully accessible disabled toilet with hoist and changing table to Great Yarmouth before it runs out on Thursday.

So far some 228 people have added their names to an e-petition running on the borough council's website - but 450 are needed for a senior officer to give evidence to the relevant committee and 900 for the issue to be debated at full council.

The petition was launched by Glenys Bright of Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, who says the lack of facilities is barring disabled people from participating fully in local life, enjoying the nighttime economy, and the town's many festivals.

Now Norfolk Carers is urging local people, including carers, disabled people, businesses and organisations, to beat the deadline and back her campaign to bring such a facility to the major resort.

Mrs Bright, 60, who cares for her husband, Keith, who has Multiple Sclerosis, said: 'It stops people going out. Keith and I have to plan ahead if we're going out of the house for any length of time because we won't be able to access the toilets.

'People with disabilities and carers, shouldn't have to stay at home or restrict what they do because of this issue - they should have high expectations of leading independent and enjoyable lives; to be able to go out and about in the town, to go shopping, to enjoy hobbies, social and leisure facilities and local public events.'

She said that attempting to lift someone in an ordinary toilet puts both the carer, and the disabled person at risk, and can be degrading.

'I have injured myself and had to have multiple operations and I fear that we could be finding more carers, who are injured because of having to lift someone onto the toilet. This could be avoided if there is an accessible toilet, with a hoist.'

Norfolk Carers is the lead organisation providing information, advice and support for unpaid carers in the county, and promoting carers' rights.

Julie Izzard, support lead for the service, said: 'Signing this petition is very simple and will make a huge difference to carers and the people they are caring for.'

Kevin Vaughan from Norfolk Carers added: 'It is the number of signatures that counts, so Norfolk Carers is urging everyone to sign up; local businesses, organisations, and individuals, whether or not you are carer, somebody with a disability or a family with a disabled child, to support this important issue.'

To sign the petition visit https://great-yarmouth.cmis.uk.com/great-yarmouth/Petition/tabid/110/ID/3/A-fully-accessible-Changing-Places-Toilet-in-Great-Yarmouth.aspx