News / Bristol Ageing Better
18 public toilets set to close in Bristol as funding slashed
Public loos on streets and some parks across Bristol will close, to be replaced by a new community toilet scheme, if plans get the go-ahead.
The council put forward proposals to pull the plug on funding for 18 facilities around the city – including those in Wapping Wharf, Eastville Park, Castle Park, Colston Avenue and Blackboy Hill – in a bid to save £400,000.
They are to be replaced with a voluntary scheme, in which businesses and organisations allow the public use of their toilets free of charge, with the aim of making at least 70 per cent of the provision accessible to disabled people.
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Asher Craig says the council has been working with charitable organisations in planning toilet provision in the future
Deputy mayor Asher Craig said: “Cabinet will be considering whether the recommendation for a community toilet scheme will be able to provide cleaner, safer and more accessible toilets in more convenient locations for residents and visitors to the city, and that it is value for money.
“Partnership working has been key to bringing this project forward and I would like to thank Crohns and Colitis UK, Bristol Physical Access Chain and Bristol Ageing Better for their support and guidance.
“The recommendations aim to double the amount of publicly available toilet sites and ensure that they are spread across the city.”
Public toilets in Eastville Park are among those due to close
The council says the solution being put forward is the one favoured by the majority who responded to a public consultation launched in June.
Local businesses and the voluntary sector would be encouraged to open up access to at least 36 alternative facilities across Bristol and the council says that informal talks suggest that the actual number will be in excess of this target.
But concerns have been raised about the plight of homeless people who use existing facilities and may feel unwelcome within businesses and organisations.
The council says it will continue to work with St Mungo’s to develop an appropriate solution for people living on the streets.
If cabinet agrees the proposals on Monday, the council will work with Bristol Ageing Better to produce a map, which would be made available on paper and online, so that people would be able to plan their trips with toilet access in mind.
Prominent signage will be installed to highlight the toilets involved in the scheme.
Recruitment of business would begin straightaway if the plans are adopted. The council says its aim would be to sign post people to a nearby facility before closure so there is no gap in provision.
Read more: Funding to be cut from 24 school crossing patrols across Bristol
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