Spalding and Holbeach public toilets revamp might not flush out yobs
A proposed revamp of toilet blocks in Spalding and Holbeach might not have one of the desired effects of reducing anti-social behaviour, councillors have been warned.
It was hoped that levels of vandalism and drugs misuse might drop with an approximate £200,000 investment in providing much-improved facilities in Spalding’s Sheepmarket and Winfrey Avenue, and Church Street in Holbeach.
The favoured option is a reconfiguration of the existing blocks with clean and fresh facilities which are easy to maintain and less liable to vandalism. A minimum 20p charge would be payable.
However, discussions by South Holland District Council with Fenland District Council, which moved to a similar set-up in Wisbech six years ago, have found frequent problems with the locking system (including attempted break-ins to the cash box), the electronic door being wedged open, people sleeping in them at night and a handwash system which breaks frequently.
A report to last night’s performance monitoring panel briefed members on the latest position.
It said: “It was anticipated that with the introduction of the proposed toilet system ASB levels would reduce. During the inspections of neighbouring districts, Fenland District Council advised that there has been no notable impact on the reduction of ASB levels.
“They advised that the chute to dispose of sharps is used, although needles are still found behind panels that are ripped off to secrete needles.”
The councillors were told that the Sheepmarket site could include a small retail kiosk. There is a slimmer chance of a similar offering at the bus station site, dependant on the system which councillors plump for.
Funding is expected to be from the Market Towns programme pot.