A number of public toilets across Thanet have undergone a deep clean, a plumbing overhaul and had new energy efficient LED lights installed.
Maintenance at the loos, as well as a fresh coat of paint, has been carried out at West Bay and St Mildred’s Bay in Westgat, Buenos Ayres (Eliot Shelter) in Margate, Joss Bay, Broadstairs Harbour and Viking Bay in Broadstairs with further works planned this month at The Centre (Mill Lane) in Margate, Botany Bay in Broadstairs and Pier Yard in Ramsgate.
Works to toilet buildings including rendering, roofing repairs and windows will be carried out between May and July at Broadstairs Harbour, West Bay, St Mildred’s Bay and Pier Yard Ramsgate.
Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services said: “The public toilet provision in Thanet is something we’ve been working hard to manage and I’m really pleased that we’ve got to this point in plenty of time for the upcoming summer season.
“They’ve been given a full programme of repairs, roofing and external repairs, new plumbing, fittings, replacement tiles and sealant where needed and are looking spick and span. The introduction of LED lights is going to improve energy efficiency, a small change that contributes to us delivering on our Net Zero pledge.
“We know that lots of people rely on decent public toilets being available when they’re out and about. It makes a real difference if the facilities are clean and well maintained.
“I also very much hope that they won’t be vandalised and the staff employed to clean them will be able to do their jobs without being abused by the small minority who don’t respect our isle.”
There are plans to undertake site analysis and propose options to Cabinet for the Clock Tower toilets in Margate and those at Botany Bay in preparation for works in 2025.
In December Thanet council agreed to spend £1.25 million on the first phase of improvement works to public toilets across the district. Councillors were told there is potential for spending to increase to £1.5m subject to a further sum of £250k being approved via external funding.
a recommendation has been made to build a new toilet block at Stone Bay in Broadstairs, which will include accessible facilities.
It was also proposed to reopen the subterranean toilets located at Margate Main Sands along with the creation of a new accessible toilet at promenade level. New accessible toilets will also be provided at Botany Bay under the plans.
The investment is the start of an anticipated wider and longer term programme of public toilet improvements which is subject to further funding being secured.
The list of all the council’s public toilets, alongside their opening hours can be found on the website: https://www.thanet.gov.uk/public-toilets/
