Word has reached us that the some Isle of Wight public conveniences might be under threat of closure by the Isle of Wight Council (IWC).
As part of the IWC’s Spending Review, a strategic review is currently being undertaken of the public toilet provision on the Island and already, the building of one facility at Bembridge that was due to be started in the new few weeks, has been put on hold until the outcome of the review is known.
Lane End toilet under threat
The facility under threat is at the beach area in Lane End and the works were to have taken place as part of the larger project to rebuild the inshore lifeboat station.
It is alleged that the decision to delay the works was taken by Peter Hayward, the Head of Highways and Transport and the RNLI in Poole.
Locals not consulted
The local parish council and Bembridge RNLI were not part of the consultation and knew nothing of the plans until last week.
Should the toilets at this location be closed as part of the review, then Bembridge will have no toilets at any of their beach locations. It’s thought that this would have a tremendous effect on tourism for the village possibly cutting numbers significantly to the Lifeboat station and therefore donations to the RNLI.
Review during quiet period
With the review taking place during the autumn and winter months, toilets at tourist attractions and beaches will not show the usage that they usually get during the summer months. Many are worried that decisions to close such facilities might be taken because of spurious statistics.
Not a statutory service
It is understood that the IWC might not be adverse to Towns and Parishes taking over the running of public toilets in their area but would give no financial help with this.
Toilet provision is not a statutory service and therefore is one that this Island Council can cut if they wish.
