Following the works planned for the Ryde Interchange, a £10m grant funded upgrade under the Transforming Cities scheme, temporary toilets were installed on Western Gardens for the duration of the project works and whilst toilets were being refurbished and improved in the Station building itself.
Subject to attacks of vandalism
From the outset, the toilets have been subject to attacks of damage and destruction leading to ongoing closures whilst repairs are carried out.
The whole provision of the toilets is becoming unsustainable and counterproductive for the community, and this has led to a local Councillor claiming the problems are caused by mindless vandals, intent on destroying the toilets and preventing their usage for the wider population.
Jordan: An inconvenience and costly
Speaking today, Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure and Ward Councillor for Ryde North West, where the toilets are situated said:
“We are now seeing constant criminal damage to the toilets, and this is proving costly as well as being a huge inconvenience to residents and visitors alike. Just this past weekend, we have seen extensive damage and serious attempts to set fire to the toilets which are not only a huge disappointment but a danger to our community.
“The situation cannot continue any longer and the continued provision of the toilets is now under serious threat. We have reached out to the community for help, contacted the Police and community safety partnership and have had ad hoc visits from contractors and security companies but we have been unable to stop this mindless vandalism.”
Share information about vandals
Cllr Jordan went on to say,
“I am asking the community and businesses of Ryde, in Western Gardens, to please let us have any information they might have that could lead us to discovering who the people responsible for the damage and vandalism are. My contact details are [email protected] and happy to receive any information, in complete confidence if required.
“If we cannot put a stop to this ongoing vandalism, it is with a very heavy heart and disappointment that we may have to close the toilets and remove them permanently.
“I hope we can avoid that, but we must be under no illusion that the current damage to the toilets cannot continue and that the possible outcome will be closure and removal.”
An internal meeting is planned next week with relevant stakeholders from Isle of Wight council to discuss the options for the toilets and to consider what could be decided on their future.
News shared by Cllr Jordan in his own words. Ed
