COUNCIL PLANS COMMUNITY TOILETS SCHEME (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

COUNCIL PLANS COMMUNITY TOILETS SCHEME

July 15, 2009 12:00 AM

Businesses in York could soon be opening up their toilet facilities for shoppers and visitors to use if a new scheme takes off in the city.

Councillor Officers are recommending that a Community Toilet scheme is introduced in the city to increase the number of toilet facilities available to visitors and shoppers.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Ann Reid said, "The Community Toilet scheme enables local businesses like pubs, restaurants and shops, to work together with the Council to make more clean, safe and accessible toilets available to the public."

"Members of the public can use toilet facilities during the premises opening hours and without the need to make a purchase."

"The scheme has been successfully introduced in a number of other local authorities and initial consultations with businesses in York found that approximately 40% of those asked were keen to progress this kind of scheme."

"More detailed work needs to be done as we take this forward, specifically with regard to how we signpost members of the scheme but it certainly looks like a promising way forward."

"Combined with existing facilities and the new toilets at Silver Street, due to open in September, this scheme would improve the number of toilet facilities available to visitors in the city."

A report prepared for the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services Decision Session on the 21st July recommends progressing the Community Toilet scheme ahead of other possibilities including mobile units and hydraulic urinals.

The report also details plans to increase the provision of 'Changing Places' toilets for people with disabilities. New facilities are set to be provided at Burton Stone Community Centre, York Central Library, Oaklands and Silver Street with the hope that the Designer Outlet and Monks Cross will also have Changing Places in the near future.

These will be in addition to the existing Changing Places facilities at the Acomb Explore Centre and Walmgate Changing Space.

Councillor Reid said, "We are at the forefront of providing facilities for disabled people and their carers in this city and I am glad to see that there will soon be more Changing Spaces facilities available across the city."

"It is important that we ensure all our facilities are made as accessible as possible in order to meet the needs of everyone in the city."