Agenda item

Ruth Hunter, the head of Public Realm and Environmental Sustainability, and Councillor Simon Bridge, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces, will provide the committee with a verbal update about the implementations of the recommendations of the Public Conveniences Task Group, which reported to Cabinet on 26 June 2019.

Councillor Simon Bridge, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces, and Ruth Hunter, Head of Public Realm and Environmental Sustainability, attended the meeting and provided an update on the implementations of the recommendations of Public Conveniences Task Group.

Councillor Bridge addressed the committee and went through the recommendations that were originally agreed by Cabinet.

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

It was explained that this recommendation had effectively been implemented by Cabinet on 14 July 2021.

2. 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

Councillor Bridge highlighted the excellent service that Danfo provided and he drew the committee’s attention to his Provision of Public Conveniences report that was approved by Cabinet on 14 July 2021 to extend the council’s contract with Danfo.

3. 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

He updated the committee that this had since been implemented. This had resulted in an increase in income, but had been impacted by the pandemic.

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

Councillor Bridge explained that Danfo planned to implement cashless payments for public conveniences in the borough and that this would be free of charge for the council. One facility at each site. This should be implemented by April 2022, however, they were hopeful that it would be done by the end of 2021.

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

He explained that the council are very keen to implement this recommendation; however, there are some complications such as the ongoing management, anti-social behaviour and issues such as access. He added that the government announced in January 2020 funding for changes places, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, this was never released in the budget. They have suggested that funding will be made available to local authorities in the 2021 budget but there are no details yet in relation to the application process. Councillor Bridge explained that if this funding was not released, there was scope to request support from the council from the savings generated from the extension with Danfo – this would need to be the subject of a further report.

6. 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.

Councillor Bridge updated members that Danfo had reviewed options for facilities at the boating lake, Scout Hut (located at the end of Beach Road) and at Cabus Ward. He stated to members that a public convenience situated in Cabus Ward had been proposed to Danfo, but the demand for a public facility was limited at this site and negates the £80k+ investment.

Members discussed related topics such as anti-social behaviour, toilet facilities for lorry drivers and Lancashire County Council’s involvement.

Councillor Bridge explained that the catering van had applied to Lancashire County Council for a larger more permanent catering facility including a toilet facility; however, the status of this was unknown.

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

He updated members that for external advertising the council would be required to pay business rates, which would not have been feasible. In addition, they found that internal advertising was often defaced and vandalised.

Members asked additional questions, and received answers, surrounding the vandalisation of the conveniences, the potentiality of a public convenience located near Rossall hospital in Fleetwood and the location of a changing places facility in Cleveleys.

The Head of Public Realm and Environmental Sustainability updated members that Danfo were asked to review a facility on the new car park of the Rossall Beach Management Scheme, were the former site offices were located. The Engineering team advised that this section is on the wrong side of the rising utility main and therefore not able to tap into. Thus, Danfo considered a facility requiring a cess pit, which would make a facility considerably more expensive and financially unviable.

Ms Hunter reassured members that Danfo had a very quick turnaround when restoring the conveniences after any vandalisation. She added that with regard to an adult changing place in Cleveleys, due to its specialist equipment, it would be beneficial for it to be a part of another organisation and she stated that any suggestions from members on possible locations would be greatly appreciated.