Acts of criminal damage and vandalism affecting the public toilets in Ambleside, Grasmere and Langdale are costing hundreds in repairs and loss of income, a recent news report in the local media has been able to suggest.

Running costs last year totalled £68,000 and although the 20p charged in five of the seven toilets brings in about £45,000 a year, the balance has to be subsidised by income from the council’s White Platts recreation area, with a further £13,000 from ratepayers.

Damage includes paddle-gates being kicked off, sinks deliberately blocked to cause overflow, objects wedged in doors to enable free access and two pay-as-you-enter machines smashed open.

Parish clerk Michael Johnson said that damage was being caused because people objected to paying what might be seen as a “trifling amount” for the privilege of having a public toilet open, clean and operational.

“A lot of people don’t understand that the district council withdrew from the provision of public conveniences, so without Lakes PC taking them on, most would have closed,” he commented.

Installing a solid access restriction system is certainly the best approach by local authorities when faced with vandalism, and that’s 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.

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