Over half of Bath’s public conveniences across the City are set to close by 2015 in a new plan by the Council to better maintain a core focus of the facilities for the public to use.
Initial details of a plan to invest money into improving a smaller number of public conveniences have been announced. Out of 29 current locations, the 13 facilities that Council intends to keep and aim to improve from April 2014 are:
- Monksdale Road;
- Alexandra Park;
- Sydney Gardens;
- Henrietta Park;
- Alice Park;
- Parade Gardens;
- Royal Victoria Park Play Area;
- Charlotte Street Car Park;
- Riverside Coach Park;
- Odd Down Park & Ride;
- Memorial Park – Keynsham;
- The Shallows – Saltford;
- Approach Golf Course.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said, “We want to provide the right standard of modern and well maintained public conveniences that meet the needs of both residents and visitors to the district. By reducing the number of public toilets that Bath & North East Somerset Council maintains, we can invest some of the money raised from selling the remainder into improving standards, hygiene, and cleanliness for the people who use them.
“We’ve considered locations serving green spaces, parks, and transport facilities as a priority ahead of shopping precincts where in many cases alternative facilities can be found. Many locations we are proposing to sell are close to either new, existing, or future public conveniences. Our plans are subject to change and full consultation.”
The remaining facilities will either be sold or come to another arrangement, such as a transfer to a resident group or Parish Council. These are:
- The Island Midsomer Norton APC. There are now new facilities in place at The Hollies;
- Greenlands Road – Peasedown St. John. A recent ward councillor consultation revealed low levels of support for keeping these open;
- Ashton Way – Keynsham. New facilities will be provided as part of the town centre regeneration from Autumn 2014;
- Royal Victoria Park Pavilion. Other facilities are close-by like Charlotte Street car park and the play area;
- Charlotte Street APC. The car park facilities are close-by;
- Gullock Tyning Midsomer Norton. There are now new facilities in place at The Hollies;
- Monmouth Street Seven Dials. Extensive facilities available elsewhere in Bath city centre, like SouthGate and the new Vaults development;
The Council would particularly listen to proposals from communities, local shops, and community groups to take on the running of the following facilities:
- High Street, Paulton. This is already under a cost sharing agreement with the Parish Council;
- London Road, Batheaston. This is already under a cost sharing agreement with the Parish Council;
- Dominion Road, Twerton;
- High Street, Weston;
- Larkhall Square, Larkhall;
- Shaftesbury Road, Oldfield Park APC.
The Council values the views of local people when making decisions about their budgets and the impact it has, including public conveniences. You can advise them on your thoughts and feelings by contacting: www.bathnes.gov.uk/budgetview or write to them at Resources Team, 3rd Floor, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW.
