Agenda item

Mark Sheldon (Director of Projects) (20 mins)

Mark Sheldon, the Director of Corporate Projects, introduced the report which identified a number of options for the future provision of public conveniences in the town; ultimately the aim of which was to provide access to a greater number of well-maintained and more accessible facilities.  Members would be aware that of the new ‘Changing Places’ accessible toilet at Pittville Park, whilst paid for by Gloucestershire County Council, it now fell to Cheltenham Borough Council to cover maintenance costs and this was an additional consideration of the review, with an effort being made to off-set these costs by achieving savings elsewhere.  The review had focussed on four options, with option 3 (community partnership scheme initiative) covering some of the town’s toilet provision being the preferred option to explore further.  Partnership schemes work on the basis whereby participating businesses agree to let members of the public use their facilities during normal opening hours without the need to make a purchase from the business, a strategy that had been adopted in a number of other areas across the country including Gloucester.  He stressed that the reference to closures at 4.3 of the report was premature, but rather this was one option and would only result in a formal recommendation if a successful community partnership scheme could be put in place following a consultation process. Other options for managing toilets could include transferring responsibility to a third party.

The Director of Corporate Projects gave the following responses to member questions:

·      Commercial opportunities would arise from the ability to use redundant amenities for something else. 

·      Charging for the use of public conveniences, a strategy which had been adopted in many other tourist destinations would be considered, but the partnership scheme was the preferred option. 

·         The option for a Changing Places facility within Regent Arcade was being explored in view of the possibility that the arcade would be open later in the evening as a consequence of the planned cinema complex. 

·         A partnership scheme with local businesses could result in improved access to well-maintained facilities for longer periods of time (pubs and restaurants well into the evening). 

·         Initial discussions had been held with The Cheltenham Trust regarding transfer of all operational liabilities of the Imperial Gardens facilities.  Members commented that this facility, as it stood, fell far below what should be considered as acceptable standards and officers did not disagree. 

·         £500 per annum, per business, would be offered to incentivise participation in the Cheltenham scheme, though it was possible that some would participate for free.  Initial contact with businesses had not yet commenced. 

The proposal for retention of the Sandford Park facilities was welcomed, as was the recognition that the facilities were no longer fit for purpose and in need of refurbishment. 

The Director of Corporate Projects and Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment thanked the committee for their feedback.  Members were comfortable with option 3, welcomed the opportunity to share their thoughts at this stage and looked forward to considering further recommendations on this issue in the future.