To set out for Cabinet, proposals on the future availability of public conveniences in the County Borough; to outline their current condition; and to seek approval for changes in the level of caretaking and cleansing.

The Corporate Director – Communities submitted a report  on proposals on the future availability of public conveniences in the County Borough, to outline their current condition and to seek approval for changes in the level of caretaking and cleansing. 

He stated there are thirteen public conveniences in various parts of the Borough which are serviced and maintained by the Council.  Of these a number are permanently staffed while others are cleaned and visited on a routine basis.  A fourteenth facility, located in Pencoed, was recently transferred to the control of Pencoed Town Council.

He advised that a public consultation was undertaken in the first quarter of 2015, inviting views on the importance of public conveniences in the Borough.  The consultation was open to the general public, Community Councils, disabled groups and also the Citizens’ Panel, with  933 responses  received.

He advised Cabinet that in considering the future provision of public toilets in the towns of Bridgend, Porthcawl and Maesteg, and other Borough wide facilities that it may wish to consider the points and detail that were provided to them in the full Equalities Impact Assessment .  

He stated that where it was proposed to permanently close and decommission the public conveniences offers will be made to the relevant Town and Community Council to take over the running of the facilities.

Following the cessation of specific WG funding for the National Comfort Scheme,  it was proposed that a local scheme is established to support where necessary a small number of strategic sites where it is felt that the provision of a toilet facility, open and available to the public, would be beneficial.  The Council would invite applications for such provision and consider them on their merit.  To this end a small amount of revenue funding has been allocated within the budget to support such provision, with an annual grant being made available to any qualifying business.

The Cabinet Member Communities stated that whilst it is regrettable that the Authority has to reduce the provision of public conveniences officers have tried to reduce the impact on the public with the introduction of the Local Comfort Scheme

The Cabinet Member Resources advised he would urge other Town and Community Council’s to take over the running of their local facilities where possible.  He stated that Pencoed Town Council has taken over the running of the facilities located in Pencoed Square and they now have plans to upgrade them. 

The Cabinet Member Adult Social Care and Health and Wellbeing stated that Town and Community Councils should follow the lead of Maesteg Town Council and look at installing remote payable facilities in their Communities.

The Deputy Leader added that a lot of the facilities are no longer fit for purpose for use in the present day and are not accessible.  The opportunity to rationalise provision has been presented to contribute to the Authority having to make over £50m in savings. 

The Cabinet Member  Children’s Social Services and Equalities advised that the facilities in Bridgend town centre serve the whole of the Bridgend County and therefore should not just be the responsibility of Bridgend Town Council and suggested that they should work collaboratively with other Town Councils in the Borough. 

RESOLVED:               That Cabinet:

1.          Approved the proposals  contained in 8.2 – 8.5 of the report subject to consultation with the relevant employees, and the Corporate Director, Communities being satisfied with outcome of any deliberations arising from the consultation process.

2.          Approved the proposals outlined in 4.13 to re-introduce the Authority’s Comfort Scheme following the withdrawal of specific funding by the Welsh Government.

3.          Approved the proposals outlined in 4.5 - 4.11 of the report with regard to the provision of public toilets in the three main town centres of Maesteg, Bridgend and Porthcawl.  Cabinet also gave its approval for formal negotiations to take place with the landlord of the Rhiw Hill Toilets, with a view to these facilities being permanently closed.

4.          Approved the proposals outlined in 4.12 of the report with regard to the provision of public toilets outside the main town centres.

5.          Approved ending the practice of gentleman’s facilities having a male attendant and ladies being serviced by a female attendant.  Going forward either a male or female attendant should cleanse both facilities.