Agenda item

The Public Open Space Manager presented the report which presented the findings of the Informal Working Group which had been set up by the Environment and Community Panel with the remit of reviewing the provision of public toilets in the Borough and consider future operations. 

The Panel was informed that the Informal Working Group had recommended the following to the Environment and Community Panel:

(i) That the relevant Portfolio Holder give consideration to the potential of leasing the management and operation of the following public conveniences to a private contractor on the basis that the contractor would be able to introduce turnstiles and charge for admission:

            - Central Promenade, Hunstanton

            - Seagate, Hunstanton

(ii) Discussions to take place with Parish Councils and local stakeholders with regard to the requirement for and the funding of the toilets listed below.  Options for Parish Councils are to take on operation, close toilets or charge them to special expenses:

-       Heacham Village

-       Old Hunstanton

-       Holme

-       Downham Market, Memorial Playing Field

-       Wales Court, Downham Market

-       The Howdale, Downham Market.

(iii) Ferry Street, King’s Lynn to close Monday to Friday on a three month trial basis, with users being signposted to the Corn Exchange.

(iv) The Walks Broadwalk and Walks Management Building to be referred to King’s Lynn Area Consultative Committee to give consideration to charging them as a special expense.

(v) Gaywood – a six month trial of closure with users being signposted to the Library.

(vi) All other public toilets to maintain current arrangements.

The Panel was informed that the Informal Working Group had suggested that any arrangements commenced in the 2018/2019 financial year to allow for thorough consultation with the relevant bodies.

The Chairman thanked the Informal Working Group and officers for their report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to questions, the Panel was informed that King’s Lynn Area Consultative Committee would consider the suggestions from the Informal Working Group at their Special Meeting on 15^th December 2016 to consider Special Expenses.  Consultation would also be carried out with all other interested parties and results of the consultation would be presented to the Environment and Community Panel at a future meeting.

Councillor J Collop addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He was concerned about consultation with King’s Lynn Area Consultative Committee and reminded those present that currently the Committee did not have any decision making powers, unlike Parish Councils.  He referred to the recommendations for the Gaywood and Walks toilets, which fell within his Ward.  He explained that the Walks was a tourist attraction and brought in people from all over the Borough, who would expect toilet facilities to be available.  He also suggested that the toilets at Gaywood be left open, but during shorter hours, which could assist with combatting any anti-social behaviour in the area.

The Chairman explained that the Panel had tasked the Informal Working Group with looking at the operation of public toilets in the Borough and he thanked them for their report.  He explained that if the Panel supported the recommendations from the Informal Working Group, the Group and officers could then carry out the necessary consultation and report their findings back to the Panel.  The Environment and Community Panel could then make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

Councillor Smith referred to the proposals to close Ferry Street and Gaywood Toilets and signpost people to other toilets which were available; Corn Exchange for Ferry Street and the Library for Gaywood and he asked if there were any costs involved.  The Executive Director, Commercial Services explained that the Corn Exchange and the Library had agreed to the arrangements on a trial basis and there were no costs involved.  The Executive Director explained that it had been suggested that there be a three month trial, however, if it was apparent that there were problems, the trial could end early.  Any trials would be kept under review.

The Vice Chairman explained that the Gaywood toilets had recently been raised at a recent Safer Neighbourhoods Advisory Panel meeting and how when they were closed local businesses, such as cafés etc. had noticed an increase in people using their toilet facilities.  The Executive Director confirmed that users would be signposted to the library on a trial basis.

The Executive Director, Commercial Services reminded the Panel that they had initially asked for a review of public toilets to be presented to the meeting, and a report had been produced by officers for consideration by the Panel.  The Panel had decided to establish an Informal Working Group to look at the operation of the toilets and come up with recommendations regarding future operation.  The Executive Director explained that there were examples of toilets which were already provided by Parish Councils and where there was a local need for facilities, discussions could take place with the relevant Parish Council regarding the future operation of the facilities.  

In response to a question from Councillor Mrs Collop, it was confirmed that the garage, which was adjoined to the public toilets in Gaywood, and had been recently put on the market, was not owned by the Borough Council.

Councillor Crofts reminded the Panel that the Borough Council had no statutory requirement to provide public toilets.  He felt that the recommendations of the Informal Working Group were fair and suggested that the arrangements could be reviewed in the future if required.

It was clarified that following any consultation a further report would be presented to the Environment and Community Panel for consideration.

Comments were made by the Panel, that even though the Council had no statutory requirement to provide public toilets, it was important that the provision was available.  Councillor Hopkins commented that he would like to see all toilets remain open, and alternative options be considered to save money.

RESOLVED: (i) The Environment and Community Panel endorsed the Informal Working Group’s report.  

(ii) Officers and the Informal Working Group to carry out the necessary consultation, as outlined in the report, and present the results of the consultation back to the Panel in due course.