Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment

RESOLVED THAT

the project to develop the proposal and the business case be approved, subject to existing budgets, to install and maintain two Changing Places Accessible Toilets within Cheltenham, one in Pittville Park and another in a town centre location to be determined, following consultation with user groups and stakeholders.

The Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment introduced the report and reminded Members that in December Cabinet had considered a report from Overview and Scrutiny on Accessibility which highlighted some of the issues raised by wheelchair users at a meeting held at St Vincent’s and St Georges with regard to the lack of accessible public toilets in Cheltenham. He reported that the administration had previously made a commitment to bid for funding to install one Changing Places Accessible Toilet to serve the accessible Pittville Park Play area. An application for funding had subsequently been submitted to the Disabled Children and Young People Short Breaks Capital grant and the council was successful in securing the capital cost of installing two Changing Places Accessible Toilets on the basis that one would be at Pittville Park Play area and the second facility within the town centre. The identification and securing of funding for future maintenance and cleaning regime of the two facilities was still required. The Cabinet Member highlighted that Cabinet and officers were keen to consult on the town centre location and a number of local organisations would be consulted directly to ensure the facility met the needs of residents and visitors. Finally, the Cabinet Member wished to thank all officers who had been involved in the project.

Members recognised that due to the reduction in toilet provision in the town many were at a disadvantage, particularly those who required extra assistance. This proposal represented  a huge step forward which was to be welcomed.

RESOLVED THAT

the project to develop the proposal and the business case be approved, subject to existing budgets, to install and maintain two Changing Places Accessible Toilets within Cheltenham, one in Pittville Park and another in a town centre location to be determined, following consultation with user groups and stakeholders.