Public toilets to close during winter
One of Amble’s public toilets will close over the winter, following a review of all the county’s conveniences.
Budget cuts have forced Northumberland County Council (NCC) to consider whether all their public toilets need to be kept open all year round.
The Council say they recognise the importance of public toilets although there is no legal requirement to provide them. And over the last year, NCC say they have invested £50,000 to refurbish public toilets.
The review looked at the 62 public toilets the County Council currently owns or operates across Northumberland. They are approaching parish and town councils to discuss their needs and how best they can be provided.
More local businesses and organisations with customer toilets have been approached about joining NCC’s ‘You’re welcome to use our loos’ scheme, where local businesses are offered a £500 a year (£250 for winter) to make their toilets available to the public.
NCC believe the review is expected to result in £120,000 savings and, if approved, would recommend nine toilets being closed, with winter closures for some.
The council currently spends approx. £600,000 a year on public toilets, with a third of the cost relating to the opening, closing, cleaning and re-stocking of the toilets.
The average cost of running a toilet block a year, taking into account business rates, building maintenance and utility costs is between £8,000-£14,000.
The review recommends that the closures will take place from November. .
| Don’t get inconvenienced: winter closures of public toilets |
| Amble Tourist Information – no change. Broomhill St – toilets to close during the winter. Toilets are available at the Tourist Information Centre and additional provision at the Harbour Inn and 42 Queen Street is being secured via the ‘You’re welcome to use our Loos’ scheme. Warkworth Warkworth Beach – to close during the winter. Brewery Lane – to close during the winter. The council is progressing the ‘You’re welcome to use our Loos’ schemes in the area. Alnmouth Marine Road – discussions with the Parish Council regarding funding /to maintain existing opening hours, otherwise the toilets will be closed during the winter. Alnwick The Shambles & Greenwell Rd – no change. |
