Well-used public toilets in Peasedown St John, which last year were on B&NES Council’s hit-list for closure, now have a bright future ahead of them.
Thanks to a new council contract with Healthmatic, who maintain and operate more than 1,000 lavatories across the UK, new automatic locking and unlocking and a 20p charge facility are to be installed this year.
Councillor Nathan Hartley led the campaign to keep the amenities open, after being lobbied by residents last summer.
He said: “Many residents, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, have told me that they’d like them to stay open, and I know that some of the businesses in Bath Road would like them to remain.
“I’m aware that councils have to make decisions about how to spend less money, but small local amenities like this do matter.
“Peasedown St John is a village in need of more services and amenities. With almost 7,000 residents it’s important that we have the investment our village needs.”
Last week, Cllr Hartley met with Healthmatic, who were awarded the contract to look after the toilets for this year.
Nathan added: “Thanks to Healthmatic, we are going to see some big changes this year, which include further refurbishment, and part of the toilet block being adapted for community or business use.”
“The organisation’s plans involve making the current disabled cubicle multi-functional so it’ll be used by everyone, and the remaining 2/3rds of the building opened up for community or commercial use – after renovation.”
Nathan is keen to hear from anyone who has ideas or suggestions. Ideas include:
- Creating an internet hub for public use;
- Allowing a third party, such as the parish council, faith organisation or residents group to take it over;
- Opening up a small business such as a hand-car wash.
The exact details of the arrangement can be discussed with Cllr Hartley and Healthmatic, who are open to suggestions. Funding for renovation and change of use will need to be discussed with the new user.
Peasedown resident Mandy Clarke, who is secretary of the new Residents’ Association, added: “We are all very pleased that the toilets are to remain open, it shows that we have been listened to, and the views of local people do matter.”
To contact Nathan call 07737 192156 or email [email protected].
