Up to 9 public toilets in Northumberland are in danger of being closed for good as part of Northumberland County Council’s bid to save £120,000, a news report in the local business media has been able to reveal.
The he council insists it remains committed to ensuring public toilets continue to be provided – despite the need to make savings and the fact there is no legal requirement to provide them.
The review looked at the 62 public toilets the council currently owns or operates across the county and proposes changes. Some facilities only provide a very basic provision, are expensive to operate and are no longer considered to be the best way of providing public toilets.
The review has involved meetings with the town and parish councils to discuss their needs and how best they can be provided; whilst more local businesses and organisations with customer toilets have been approached about joining the council’s ‘You’re welcome to use our Loos’ scheme; where local businesses are offered a £500 a year (£250 for winter) to make their toilet facilities available to the public; often resulting in an improved provision.
The review is expected to result in £120,000 savings and, if approved, would recommend nine toilets being closed, winter closures for some, additional businesses and organisations joining the ‘You’re welcome to use our Loos’ scheme and the possibility of some funding support for those local town/parish councils who want to take on responsibility for the day to day running of their local toilets. Customer toilets at Active Northumberland Leisure Centres and Libraries will also be available for the public to use.
Charging a fee for access is the most sensible solution when it comes to public toilets’ funding, and this is exactly where Toilet Turnstiles could really puts 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.