Public Toilets back on the Agenda

Following the closure of public toilets by the Residents Association run borough council, they are back on the agenda thanks to a Motion from the Liberal Democrats. Debate could take place on 17th July but is more likely to be deferred in order to prepare a report with more details about the proposals

The Lib Dems are proposing that a Community Toilet Scheme should be piloted in Epsom, whilst also investigating the possibility of Community Toilets in other areas. A Community Toilet Scheme is a system pioneered in Richmond and recommended in a Government report, whereby local businesses, bars or shops agree to display a sign saying that their toilets can be used by the public. In return they get paid an annual retainer by the council - perhaps £500 per year.

The Motion says "This Council recognises that the closure of public toilets in the borough has caused problems for residents and some councillors are still receiving complaints about the lack of facilities. A Community Toilet Scheme, in line with that operated in boroughs such as Richmond, is a viable alternative. A pilot for a Community Toilet Scheme should be put in place in Epsom and possibilities for community toilets in Ewell and Stoneleigh should be investigated against an annual budget not exceeding £5000."

Cllr Julie Morris says "the local authority didn't save a huge amount of money by closing its public toilets, but they did cost considerably more than £5000. Although there's no spare money at the moment, the council can afford to put £5000 behind this programme if they choose to do so. For both younger and older people, the loss of toilet facilities has become a real issue. We should never have closed them without setting up a Community Toilet Scheme. Although the Lib Dems suggested this at the time of the closures, a proper paid-for Community Toilet Scheme was never thoroughly investigated and experience elsewhere shows that this system can work really well."