Public toilets across Teignbridge could be at risk with the launch of a review in which local parish councils are asked to say whether their local loos are needed.
It’s been revealed that 20 public toilets across the district now face an uncertain future under a review by Conservative led Teignbridge Council.
In a letter sent to parish councils – but not to its own councillors – Teignbridge asks parishes to suggest ‘alternative ways in which toilet facilities could be made available or you might be of the view that the provision of existing facilities is no longer justified’.
The letter adds: ‘A handover accompanied by financial support to a local organisation such as your council, a community group or a local business might be appropriate or indeed you might consider whether the building could be put to a better alternative use.’
However, the letter provides no reassurance that any of the 20 toilets under review will be kept open if ‘alternative arrangements’ are not found, says Cllr Alan Connett, leader of the Lib Dem group on Teignbridge and ward member for Starcross where the popular village loos are on the list.
Cllr Connett said: “This letter has come out in the summer break. It’s not been sent to Teignbridge councillors who have threatened toilets in their ward and the Conservatives at Teignbridge appear to be saying that these toilets could close if local communities or parish councils don’t step in.
“This is a shabby way of going about things. At the very least we might have expected all councillors to be informed of a key review such as this, or a report setting out the proposals to come before the council. This is being done in an underhand way which is beginning to typify the way the new Conservative administration is working.”
Teignbridge says the provision and maintenance of public conveniences costs £750,000 a year and over the past eight years there has been a significant investment programme, under the previous Lib Dem/Independent run council to improve public toilets. The council has also won national awards for the quality of a number of its conveniences, which are often seen by residents and visitors and a key public service, added Cllr Connett.
He has now written to the lead Conservative member for public toilets asking for more details about any financial support that will be handed over if a parish council takes on the local loos and for an explanation of why councillors hadn’t been informed about proposals affecting toilets in their ward. Cllr Connett also wants an assurance that toilets will not be closed if alternative arrangements cannot be agreed.
Toilets at risk are:
Abbotskerswell
Ashburton (Kingsbridge Lane)
Bishopsteignton
Bovey Tracey (Mary Street, Recreation Ground and Station Road)
Buckfastleigh
Chudleigh
Ogwell
Holcombe
Ipplepen
Kingskerswell
Lustleigh
Moretonhampstead (Court Street and Station Road)
Shaldon (King George V field, Ness Tunnel, The Strand)
Starcross
Widecombe in the Moor
(from a press release)
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