Safety fears raised over plan for park toilets
BUT OTHERS BACK FACILITY
ARNOLD residents have voiced their concerns about plans to build a new toilet block in King George V Park.
Some fear the new public service ‘would attract drunks’ to come into the park and sit on the benches for longer.
A decision on Gedling Borough Council’s development plan is due to be made today.
Craig Meller, 40, and Lucy James, 33, use the park every day to walk their dog and enjoy the greenery the park has to offer.
They have expressed their concerns about the new development plans.
“I think it is a good idea if not abused,” said Mr Meller.
“Unfortunately, I think it would attract drunks to come here and stay for as long as they want. They are harmless drunks, but it would not look good for the children who come here.”
Ms James, a teaching assistant student, 33, added: “I agree - at the moment they pee in the bushes, so it is not very convenient, but having the toilets would mean that they can stay here for longer.
“I do not think it is a good idea at all.” Louise Wallace, 54, of Gedling road, has echoed other people’s concerns about the new addition.
She said: “I am sitting on the fence about this - I do not think it is a good idea.
“There will be children going there on their own, unsupervised, I think it is dangerous.
“You could get all sorts of people using those, and I am just concerned for children’s safety.”
However, other residents welcomed the idea as there is no other public toilet available in the area.
Life coach Matthew Burgess, 29, of Bentwell Avenue, said:
“I think it is perfect, brilliant idea.
“It would be beneficial to have some toilets here.”
Angelina Saxon, of Wellstone Drive, added: “Children have to go crouch down when they need the toilet.
“You have no chance in here, we really need toilets.”
In response to these concerns Councillor John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, told the Post: “We’re continuing to invest in our town centres and communities and these improvements planned at King George V Park in Arnold will provide a valuable facility for people visiting the park, the town centre and from next year, the brand new Arnold Market Place.
“The Changing Places toilet planned for the site is a specialist facility to help meet the needs of people with severe disabilities who may need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.
“The proposed position of the building has been carefully selected to minimise antisocial behaviour.
“It will be visible from the nearby car park, play area and park entrance and CCTV is already in place that will monitor the site 24/7.
“The building will only be open during park opening hours and will be lit at night.
“We consulted with residents on the plans back in February and received overwhelming support, with 97 percent of people responding in favour of the development.
“It’s disappointing to hear there are concerns about the potential of antisocial behaviour at the site, but residents can be reassured that we will be doing everything we can to ensure the area continues to be somewhere anyone can visit and feel safe. “The safety of all of our residents and visitors is always at the forefront of our planning and I’m sure that the new facilities for the town will prove useful for people visiting the area.”
The proposed position of the building has been carefully selected to minimise antisocial behaviour. Cllr John Clarke
A GRADE II listed former paper mill in Lowdham has gone up for sale for £850,000.
Selling agent for the property, Clare Bingham at Savills in Nottingham, said: “Forming part of a complex of historic buildings this is a unique property in a tranquil location that is absolutely brimming with character.”
Named The Paper Mill, the renovated property overlooks the mill pond and the Doverbeck.
Clare Bingham added: “Situated adjacent to open countryside between the villages of Lowdham and Epperstone this historic property has been excellently renovated and enjoys extensive living accommodation and stunning views. It is deceptively spacious too, offering six bedrooms, four bathrooms and delightful gardens.”
There are also four reception rooms providing plenty of versatility to the accommodation.
In fact, this Nottinghamshire house has been measured at around 3,355 sq ft (311.69 sq m) in total. There is even a two-storey coach house providing a garage with games room above.