Residents and community groups are pushing for the reopening of closed public toilets in Thornton Hough, Wirral. The toilets, shut since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, have caused inconvenience and health concerns for locals, particularly those with medical needs. The community trust has partnered with Community Payback to offer volunteer labor, emphasizing the toilets' value for visitors and residents. The council is reviewing its public toilet service and will provide cost information for reopening the Thornton Hough facility.
Closed public toilets in Thornton Hough are one step closer to reopening nearly five years after being shuttered during the Covid-19 pandemic. The issue of residents and visitors relieving themselves behind the closed facility has been repeatedly raised with Wirral Council. Hundreds of people previously signed a petition calling for the toilets' reopening, as they are situated just off the village green in a popular area.
Jeff Dale, from the Thornton Hough Community Trust, told a tourism, communities, culture and leisure committee meeting that the group had been in contact with Community Payback, a scheme where work is carried out by unpaid offenders. They offered to include the toilets on their list of projects, emphasizing they would not be a cost to the local authority. Dale highlighted the impact the closure has on residents, citing Colin, his neighbor, who, despite living just a few hundred yards from the green, can only be out for an hour or so due to medical needs. Colin, a member of the trust, shared that he has prostate cancer and, with four grandchildren, wants to enjoy time with them at the playground. He expressed his difficulty planning outings due to the lack of accessible facilities, stating that he needs to locate available toilets before choosing a destination. The absence of these facilities causes him significant stress, leading him to avoid going out altogether. This issue came to light during an update on the status of public toilets across the borough, as the council reviews the service following several closures in 2022, including Thornton Hough. Cllr Jerry Williams pointed out the area's numerous public footpaths and its popularity as a walking, running, and cycling route, arguing that the Thornton Hough toilets are essential to keep open. Council members also called for a list of disabled access toilets and urged the council to address vandalism. Cllr Grahame McManus stated that the current situation is ridiculous, as public toilets are unavailable due to vandalism. He stressed the need to design vandal-proof toilets and highlighted the importance of providing facilities for residents to enjoy their day out, spend time with their grandchildren, and live a decent life without having to plan ahead excessively. Cllr Ann Ainsworth suggested including public toilets as part of regeneration plans, emphasizing the unpleasant consequences for individuals when facilities are unavailable. Council members thanked the community group for raising the issue and requested the council to provide the cost of reopening the Thornton Hough toilets, including implementing a payment system. The committee tasked officers with collaborating with Community Payback to facilitate the reopening of the toilets.
PUBLIC TOILETS COMMUNITY THORTON HOUGH WIRRAL COUNCIL VANDALISM ACCESSIBILITY HEALTH CONCERNS COVID-19
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