‘Community scheme’ on the cards

HYNDBURN council will explore the possibility of setting up a ‘community toilet scheme’ in the town centre involving local businesses.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said they will also be making further investment outside the market ‘to get footfall up’ and could make the area focal point for charging electric cars.

Coun Jeff Scales backed the idea, as part of a debate on the Peel Street toilets. He told the full council meeting: “There have been schemes trialled by other councils called ‘community toilet schemes’ which enable businesses like pubs, restaurants and shops to work together and map out the businesses in a particular area where toilets can be used.

“Some of these schemes even involve people who aren’t making purchases, people can still come in to use the toilets, particularly families and the disabled people. What they found is it’s actually increased the footfall of the businesses that have taken part. It could be a much cheaper option and might even work better for businesses as well.”

Coun Parkinson said: “One of the driving forces I think is about footfall and the bus station, where it is located now, and how that might have had an impact on footfall. As a cabinet we are looking at that. We will be investing on the outside market.

“I would recommend it goes back to the portfolio holder to look at community toilets.

“We are also discussing with Lancashire County Council to make sure that the parking area along Peel Street is the forefront of putting electric charging points so, as more and more people get electric cars, that is the area they will go to charge.”