This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Paperwork on proposal first suggested last November.
The Isle of Wight Council wants to hear from residents and business owners about its proposed new community toilet scheme (CTS).
The scheme would see toilet facilities available in areas across the Island in participating shops, cafes and other premises, including County Hall in Newport. Participating organisations would receive an annual payment from the council.
Aim to save on the £500,000 costs
It is hoped that the number of public toilet facilities available across the Island will increase as a result compared to the existing 41 public conveniences which are operated by either the council or town and parish councils.
The council spends £500,000 every year providing public toilets and must consider options to reduce this cost, which can often increase due to vandalism at toilet facilities.
Two consultations
Two surveys have been launched by the council about the CTS – one for residents and one for businesses.
Each survey will give the council important information that will be used to inform any final proposals before they are put before the council’s Executive later this year.
To take part in the survey, resident’s or business owners should go to our Website and select ‘Community Toilet Scheme’ and then click on the relevant survey.
Councillor Luisa Hillard, Executive member responsible for the public realm, said:
“We are confident a community toilet scheme will lead to more public conveniences being available to the public at more times of the day which will also be more pleasant to use.
“It is well known that the council must make significant savings and we no longer have the budget available to pay half a million pounds per year providing just over 40 public conveniences.
“Although the council is looking at closing some of its current public conveniences where alternatives can be provided, there will be no mass closures of toilets. We have stated from the very start that every area on the Island that currently has toilet facilities will continue to have provision under any new scheme, while also seeing more areas have facilities available.”
Comments on both surveys can be made now until 17 April.
Image: johnrobertshepherd under CC BY 2.0
