Plans to close public toilets in Penicuik, Dalkeith, Gorebridge, Loanhead and Bonnyrigg have been rejected by local councillors in Midlothian, but staffing levels were reduced, a news report in the local media has revealed.
The five public toilets, which in 2016/17 cost £100,000 to run and £18,900 for repairs, are currently open seven days a week 9am – 6pm, maintained and cleaned by two full-time staff who work a three day and four day rota 8.15am- 7.15pm.
They are used 207,636 times a year, with Dalkeith by far the busiest with 92,040 users and Gorebridge the quietest with 5,356.
Council leader Derek Milligan (Lab) said: “We would like to hear more about automated conveniences as we can provide a service and cut the cost to the council which we would welcome. I would like to see a more detailed breakdown and time scale for that.
“If they could pay for themselves then why not. The reality is, to simply close down public toilets, we can’t agree with that.”
Charging a fee for access is quite often the most sensible solution when it comes to public toilets’ funding – and indeed keeping these facilities open for the general public, and this is exactly where Toilet Turnstiles could really put its experience to good work.
Our toilet turnstiles are built from graded stainless steel, for easier cleaning and maintenance, and also come equipped with lockable lids to prevent unwanted access. Furthermore, the separate coin box offers very versatile mounting options, as it can be installed either in front of the turnstile, at the side or alternatively, on the wall, with the cash box at the rear.
The turnstile’s coin mechanism can be programmed for virtually any combination of coins with a secure cash box to hold them, while the additional counters for the number of entries made will enable a thorough level of control over the system’s operation.
If you need some additional information regarding our extensive range of products, just get in touch, we’ll be sure to answer any and all of your queries.