Closure of Public Toilets on the Island

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Topical Talk Group: Closure of Public Toilets on the IOW

Tuesday 12th July 2016 – 3-5pm

Today’s topic for discussion had been proposed by Joan with specific reference to the closure of the toilet facilities next to Baywatch Café at St Helen’s. These particular toilets have just been reopened, presumably for the summer, but no information has been given about this.

We heard a comprehensive brief history of the IOW Council shedding the responsibility of public toilets. This began in 2010 as part of the IWC’s spending Review and following flawed consultation and an invalid survey of footfall. Greater cuts have been imposed upon Councils since causing them to make swinging cuts of the non-statutory services, which include toilets. Some toilets have been saved because they have been taken over by the Town and Parish Councils which have the ability to raise the precepts if necessary. She also informed us that previously it was considered advantageous for a holiday destination to have toilets to be proud of and so ‘Super Loos’ had been built at Freshwater, Yaverland, Ventnor and Brading (now closed) – How times change!

Amongst a great deal of laughter caused by lavatorial jokes and anecdotes we all agreed that this is a very serious issue for the IOW as all toilets pay a vital part in the image of our tourist industry. Surely, it is unacceptable for us to be seen to be going backwards with our commitment to public health.

We felt that as this was a local issue it is something that we should expand and pursue further by inviting other WIs to become involved.

Action:

  • G to inform Federation of our discussion and our concerns for the economy of the island and the welfare of the visitors. To discuss our wish to invite the involvement of other WIs.
  • To include a report of this Topical Talk meeting in our WI report to The County Press
  • To have a follow-up meeting on the same subject.

Things to consider in the meantime:

  • Should we approach Fight for The Wight?
  • Can we find out if grants/funds are available? … Community Action, Tourist Board, Who is the person appointed using the ASDA money to raise funds?
  • Possible funding options … Businesses to pay to support local facilities, direct payment to attendant or entry fee, advertising on/within the buildings, funding direct from Westminster for special cases (arrange a meeting with the MP)?
  • Campaign strategies (shock tactics) – e.g. Human poo bags. Bucket ‘n spade holiday – dig your own latrine! ‘Holidaying on the IOW – have you packed your Travel Johns?’

A huge thank you to J for her hospitality. We enjoyed it so much that the next meeting will be held at her house again.

Next Meeting:     Tuesday 23rd August       3-5pm