Up to 15 public toilets set to close despite concerns
Public toilets across Argyll and Bute are set to be closed as a cost-saving measure – despite reports of human waste being left outside some facilities, writes Ellis Butcher.
The council’s business continuity committee has agreed to an officer’s recommendation to keep 35 public conveniences open until the end of October but then close 10 to 15, leaving only a ‘core set’ open. The council has been asked to identify which toilets are proposed to be retained and lost.
Faced with a budget deficit because of Covid and strict new guidelines requiring more extensive cleaning, council officials are looking to reduce costs.
However, the decision comes amid rising community concerns about people fouling the area due to a lack of open toilets.
A meeting of the committee heard widespread discussion on what should be done going forward.
Councillor Douglas Philand asked: ‘On the green at Kilmartin, they have found human excrement – they know it is human because there was toilet paper beside it. Is it possible, based on that, to look at opening other facilities?”
Kirsty Flanagan, the council’s head of strategic finance, responded: ‘There is an option to open more toilets, but it will come at a cost. We also have the paper on Covid-19 costs, which we are trying to minimise.’
Councillor Rory Colville then asked: ‘Have we any way of engaging with communities?’
Ms Flanagan responded: ‘Services are engaging where they have contact, but prior to the pandemic they tried but had limited take-up from communities. If groups come forward I’m sure they will engage.’
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: ‘It’s not uncommon for some of our public toilets to close over the winter period. Nevertheless, officers will work with the area committee members over the coming weeks to identify which public toilets should remain open. Taking this approach allows us to offer the best possible service within the normal budget we have available. This is something we need to consider given the financial impact Covid-19 has placed on the council.’