Issue - meetings

Report of the Chairman of the Public Conveniences Task Group and Service Director Performance and Innovation

The Chairman of the Public Conveniences Task Group and the Service Director Performance and Innovation submitted a report detailing the work of the Public Conveniences task group. Cllr E Ellison stated that a landowner on the A6 had recently been in contact in regard to putting toilets on his land and that she would pass details to the Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces Portfolio Holder.

Cllr Bridge thanked Cllr E Ellison and all members of the cross-party group for their involvement into a review of a service essential to both residents and visitors. He then spoke about each of the recommendations in turn and voiced his agreement to each of them with the exception of recommendation at paragraph 3.4 of the report suggesting the withdrawal of the facility to use a radar key as he felt it was important that it was retained for legitimate uses.

His comments were supported by other members of the Cabinet and other councillors present at the meeting.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following recommendations of the task group that

·         the current number and location of public conveniences in the borough be maintained.

·         while recognising the excellent performance of Danfo, all options for continuing the provision of public conveniences be explored in good time before the expiry of the current contract in 2022.

·         the fee for using public conveniences be increased from 20p to 30p (fees inclusive of VAT) borough-wide, subject to a review of the cost and process by which the coin mechanisms can be updated.

·         options for making cashless payments be explored and introduced if found to be viable after exploring the cost implications.

·         the introduction of additional Changing Places facilities be considered, in Fleetwood to complement the beach wheelchair initiative, and in Cleveleys.

·         options for additional toilet facilities be explored in Cabus Ward on the A6, subject to discussions with Lancashire County Council, Cabus Parish Council and other interested parties, and between Cleveleys (Café Cove) and Rossall Point.

·         options to use wall or similar space at public conveniences for promotions, campaigns, displays and advertising be explored.

·         the task group’s commendation of the Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder’ decision, published on 21 March 2019, to explore the provision of toilet, water and sluicing facilities at the Central Car Park, Fleetwood was noted.