Six Independent Councillors based across the Bath area say they are outraged over the decision to close a number of public toilets without giving any warning.
The councillors say the decision to close the toilets was taken by Paul Crossley, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council, with the facilities in Larkhall, Weston and Peasedown St John being closed to the public on Monday morning.
In a joint statement, the councillors said: “This decision has been taken behind closed doors despite the Liberal Democrats promoting themselves as a “listening council”.”
After nearly 2 years of working with the Cabinet, and in the case of Larkhall the two local Councillors Dave Laming and Bryan Chalker have even provided a solution that would have averted the closure of the toilets.
Cllr Dave Laming said: “I am so disappointed after putting in so much effort to work with the Cabinet and for my residents to be so badly let down”.
Cllr Bryan Chalker has been bombarded by local residents asking for an explanation, while Cllr Malcolm Lees will be pressing the Leader of the Council on why they have reneged on their promise to keep the toilets of Weston open.
Bath and North East Somerset Council announced on Monday morning that they’ve had to close five public toilets in the local area, due to a lack of funding available to keep them open.
The Council is still however progressing with plans to revamp the provision of other toilet facilities across the district.
The Council’s contract with Healthmatic Ltd will provide cleaning and management services for 15 years, and means that 15 public toilets in parks, play areas, green spaces and key transport hubs will remain open.
Cllr David Dixon (Lib Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We have to get the balance right between offering high quality, well placed public conveniences and making sure we have an affordable proposition for local taxpayers for the long-term future of these facilities. In accordance with a Council resolution, we kept the toilets open whilst we were exploring alternatives.
“We have been trying to work with local communities and businesses to look at options for providing facilities in these locations, but no concrete ideas have been forthcoming so unfortunately we have been forced to confirm the closing of five public toilets. However, in three of the five locations, there are on-going discussions with third parties about alternative solutions for the longer-term.”
The closed toilets are in Larkhall, Weston, Peasedown St John, Twerton and Combe Down.
1 Comment
Sheila Hawken
Thursday 17th July, 2014 at 19:17I have severe mobility issues and often have to use an electric wheelchair. Many buildings are inaccessible to me and I cannot get upstairs, so I was accustomed to using public conveniences when out and about or before visiting friends whom I knew did not have downstairs loos or if I needed the loo urgently, as I do because of my disabilities. I was very shocked that these public loos were closed so suddenly and without further consultation. Democracy no longer exists in Bath, it seems and the council seems hell bent upon making life more and more impossible for disabled people to lead independent lives, which saves money and stops us becoming loenely and isolated. The Government has told Local authorities to try to reduce loneliness because it is known that it has a very harmful effect upon mental and physical health, leading to expensive reliance upon care and medical services. SO, what does the Lib- Dem faction do? They close an essential service for elderly and disabled people, children and others who may need the loo in a hurry. I cannot try to use loos belonging to businesses – many are inaccessible to me.What about bus drivers and others who are on the road for long periods. They used to know where the conveniences were and could plan accordingly. Taking away access to public conveniences is a serious public health issue. Paul Crossley may be able to go behind a bush, but I cannot and nor would I wish to.