Following yesterday’s news that Fountains Environmental Ltd had gone bust with the loss of ten jobs on the Island, we have an update from the Isle of Wight council.
It was reported that the company’s staff, who were responsible for cleaning 51 public toilets on the Island, had been made redundant on Monday afternoon.
We got in touch with the council to find out what the position with toilet cleaning would be. Was this a chance for an Island company to fill the gap?
“Speaking to various companies both on and of the Island”
They got back to us late last night. Stuart Love, IW Council director of economy and the environment, said, “We are taking steps to ensure our public toilets remain open in light of the cleaning and maintenance contractor Fountains regrettably going into administration with the loss of Island jobs.
“We have today (Tuesday) been speaking to various companies both on and off the Island – and including OCS which is taking on some of Fountains’ contracts – to seek a short term arrangement under which the Island’s toilets will be maintained. In the longer term, we will take steps to appoint a new long-term contractor. We would very much hope that Island companies will bid for this new contract when advertised.”
Two toilets closed as a result
He went on to say, “By using other council staff to inspect and maintain toilets we are working to avoid the temporary closure of any toilets although today it has been necessary to close facilities in Moa Place, Freshwater and the male toilets at Falcon Cross, Shanklin.
“We will of course keep residents fully informed of developments and assure them we are doing all we can to find both short term and long term solutions to this issue.”
