Town’s ‘smart’ loos to flush out bad behaviour

A TOWN council isn’t taking any chances with its posh new £175,000 toilets.

Not only will the loos planned for Porthcawl self-clean, but they will also include room sensors and some pretty severe-sounding deterrent measures to limit antisocial behaviour.

The town council has submitted plans to the local authority to replace the Griffin Park facilities saying they have outlived their lifespan both in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

People will have to pay to use the toilets but the town council has yet to decide how much.

The planning documents detail a range of security features, which include weight-sensitive floors to ensure there is only one user at a time – safeguarding against vandalism or inappropriate sexual activity.

Meanwhile, any violent movement will automatically open doors and sound high-pitched alarms, with a fine-water jet soaking the individual cubicles.

A restricted time entry will help deter rough sleeping with an audible warning and waterproof spray combined with the lights and heating being switched off.

And fire and dousing equipment will help prevent smoking and drug-taking within cubicles.

The materials used for the walls and floors are graffiti-resistant, while SOS buttons will open doors automatically and alert the warden control system.

A time lock will open and shut the toilets in the morning and evening, with all toilets being fitted with a full high-pressure floor and wall wash which can be operated at certain times of day.

The planning documents state: “Every effort has been made to make sure that the new toilet facility will enhance this location and be safe for the community at all times.”

The town council said it wants to provide a secure building with modern facilities and provide toilets that are accessible by all members of the community, hygienic and well-maintained.

Every night the toilets will close for 10 minutes when the unit undertakes a deep-clean process.

An outdoor defibrillator cabinet will also be installed in case of an emergency.

Town councillor Mike Clarke said: “Rebuilding the public toilets is an important element of Porthcawl Town Council’s ambition to ensure that Porthcawl is a great place to live, work and to visit.

“Maintaining the provision of good-quality public toilets to support the leisure area within the park and the retail and commercial businesses around Station Hill has an important role in growing footfall within the area.

“The new facility will be goodquality, externally complementing the architecture of the Griffin Park pavilion and equipped with a payto-use facility.

“While the council has not yet decided on the level of user contribution it is intended that they will be maintained to a high standard so that the investment now benefits Porthcawl for years to come.”

The town council is paying £135,000 towards the new facilities, with Bridgend County Borough Council providing £35,000 through its community asset transfer fund.

The existing facilities are due to close in October while the demolition and construction of the new building takes place.

During this time temporary toilets will be provided nearby.