Twenty-seven public toilets managed by Thanet District Council are now open ahead of what is anticipated to be a busy summer season and the authority says it is looking at putting temporary loos in place this summer while the Clock Tower facilities are closed.
The toilets have flooded following a major leak which has also damaged the ceiling and tiles. A large crack was also discovered in the ladies’ toilet. Incoming water means the electrics being condemned.
Viking Bay beach toilets have undergone essential repairs and maintenance works but are on schedule to be open in time for the Easter bank holiday weekend.
The toilets at Buenos Ayres (by the TS Eliot shelter) and on the Harbour Arm in Margate remain open. There are also a number of other public facilities in Margate. An interactive map showing all of the toilets in Thanet can be found on the website: https://www.thanet.gov.uk/info-pages/public-toilets/
Trevor Kennett, Head of Operational Services said: “We have commissioned a full structural and condition survey to understand the full extent of all of these issues and establish what works are needed to make the toilets safe again. Until they can be made safe they will temporarily remain closed to the public.
“While the facilities are in a prime location on Margate Main Sands and are well used by visitors to the town during the summer months, these aren’t the only toilets in Margate. The other sites remain open. Efforts are being made to secure temporary toilets to ensure that there are additional facilities in this area while the Clock Tower toilets are out of action.”
The opening of the seasonal toilets brings the number of available public facilities up to 27 from 20 in the off-season.
Loo protest
A community-wide demonstration, featuring banners, potties and an enormous pink loo, will take place outside Thanet council’s offices next week in protest at the Summer-long closure of public toilets on Margate seafront.
Campaigners are demanding repairs are carried out so the ‘Clock Tower’ toilets on Marine Drive are opened for the tourist season.
The protest will take place at 9.30am outside the council offices in Margate on Thursday (April 25).
