Agenda item

To receive an update on Public Toilets in King’s Lynn.

The Public Open Space Manager introduced John Hussey, Operations Manager who ran the day to day operation of public toilets.

The Public Open Space Manager explained that a report on Public Toilets within the Borough was considered by the E&C Panel in August 2016.  An Informal Working Group was set up, tasked to review the provision of public toilets in the Borough.  It was reported that two formal complaints had been received.

It was proposed to:

·        Reopen Ferry Street toilets 7 days a week;

·        Complete closure of the Gaywood toilets and sell or demolish;

·        Include both sets of toilets in The Walks (Broadwalk and Management Building) into King’s Lynn Special Expenses.

The Vice-Chairman expressed concern that the Informal Working Group had not met since the 8^th November 2016 and had not met to consider the recommendations put forward.

It was advised that the Committee could make a recommendation to the Environment & Community Panel for consideration when they considered the item at their meeting on 10 October 2017.

Reference was made to the recommendation to close Gaywood toilets and it was asked whether the savings of £9,000 could go into Special Expenses to pay for the re-opening of the Walks toilets.

It was asked whether consultation had taken place with the Library Service over the use of their toilets whilst the Gaywood toilets were closed, as it was understood that the staff were not happy.  The Public Open Space Manager explained that there had been no formal complaint raised by Norfolk County Council, however if staff wanted to give formal feedback then this could be included in the proposals to the E & C Panel.

In response to a comment, the Public Open Space Manager explained that the Management Toilets were at the play area and part of the management building.  He further explained that there had been bands playing in the Walks every Sunday, which had been heavily attended and bookings were already being taken for next year.  The events were being split between the two venues – the Town Centre and The Walks.  The Public Open Space Manager also outlined other events which had taken place in the Walks over the year.

Councillor J Collop made reference to the recommendation to close toilets in Downham Market, Heacham and Old Hunstanton and to the fact that these parishes had the opportunity to take over the toilets, whereas the residents of King’s Lynn had no say in how Special Expenses was spent.  He did not agree with the proposed closure of the toilets at Gaywood.

Councillor Smith made reference to Gaywood toilets and the current position of them and suggested that if they were demolished, they could be rebuilt with something better and in a more suitable location.  He asked what the cost would be to demolish and then rebuild them.  The Public Open Space Manager advised that the costs would be in the region of £50,000.

Councillor McGuinness made reference to the Parkour which had been provided for the whole of the Borough, yet the Walks itself, was deemed as being just for King’s Lynn residents and charged to Special Expenses.  He added that events were generally put on at weekends which attracted visitors from other areas.  He questioned whether one set of the toilets could be closed for weekend use only, to allow the Gaywood toilets to be refurbished or rebuilt.

In response to a query it was confirmed that Gaywood Toilets were not currently charged to King’s Lynn Special Expenses.

Councillor Joyce stated that it needed to be established whether the Walks was a Borough facility or a King’s Lynn facility.

The Committee then made the following recommendations to the Environment & Community Panel:

1.         The Public Toilets Review Informal Working Group should meet again to consider the recommendations to be put forward to the Environment & Community Panel.

2.         The Committee supported the proposal to demolish the toilets at Gaywood, however they should be replaced with new facilities.

3.         The Committee supported the reopening of the Ferry Street toilets 7 days per week.

4.         The Committee supported the continued opening of the Broadwalk and Management Building toilets in the Walks but considered that as the Walks was a Borough-wide facility the cost of this should not be included in King’s Lynn Special Expenses.