Issue - meetings

To receive an update on public toilet provision in the Borough and to receive information from Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Members received an update on public toilet provision within the Borough from Mark Redfearn, Head of Localities.  Members also considered information provided by Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

During the discussion of this item, the following points were made:

·       The local authority did not have any statutory responsibilities in terms of providing public toilets.

·       In 2009 the Council had moved away from the traditional model to the Local Loos Scheme.  Under this scheme participating local businesses allowed the public access to their toilet facilities and displayed a small sticker or sign to advertise this fact.  There were currently 10 Local Loos across the Borough. 

·       The primary reason for moving to the Local Loos Scheme was to improve the choice and quality of toilet facilities available.  The public toilet facilities at the time had often been subject to vandalism and cost a lot to maintain to an acceptable standard.

·       Members noted the desktop audit of what toilet facilities were available across the Borough.  There were approximately 170 toilets in locations such as petrol stations, garden centres, council buildings and the retail sector. 

·       The Council had only received one specific enquiry in the past year about the availability of public toilets within the Borough.

·       There were not currently that many Changing Places facilities available across the Borough.  This would be taken into account in the development of new community facilities where possible, to increase the number available.  The Head of Localities indicated that new community centre that would be provided as part of the Matthew’s Green development would have a Changing Places facility.

·       It was confirmed that the public toilet located in Peach Place was provided by Wokingham Town Council.  Members felt that signage to this facility could be improved.

·       Members questioned whether signage and publicity around facilities was sufficient and what a review of these would entail.  The Head of Localities commented that there was a need to understand that when people entered the different urban areas, was there sufficient signage to direct them to facilities that they could make use of.  He indicated that there were several existing Town Centre Management Initiatives which could consider this.  Communication and signposting were important.

·       Members referred to the information provided by Crohn’s and Colitis UK, which recommended that local authorities take the lead role in collating and publishing information. 

·       Crohn’s and Colitis UK recommended that ‘Not Every Disability is Visible’ accessible toilet signs should be a requirement in all venues.  A Member suggested that these should be included in facilities that the Council made available, including Council buildings.  This was echoed in the information provided by a local Crohn’s sufferer.  The Head of Localities indicated that this could be addressed with the Facilities team with regards to Council buildings.

·       A Member commented that he had a number of petrol stations in his ward.  He questioned whether the Council could work with these businesses to better advertise available toilet facilities.  The Head of Localities suggested that this could be taken forward via links with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50

To receive an update on public toilet provision within the Borough.

This item was deferred.