Bournemouth Borough Council are considering the closure of 13 out of the 18 public toilets that remain open. A further 3 may be transferred to private ownership. Councillor Simon Bull raised a question on the matter at Full Council on 6th December 2016 and Councillor M Filer, Cabinet member, confirmed that facilities were at risk of closure and local ward councillors would be consulted before closures were made.
Councillor Bull said “The council has the task of budgeting reducing funds from the government and we are forced to make savings. The question is are public conveniences needed? I strongly believe that it is important for residents to have their say and urge them to contact their local councillors to make their feelings known before it is too late. Winton East ward has recently seen the closure of the toilets on Firbank Road and now faces the potential loss of those in Leslie Road in the main shopping area of the ward.”
Details of sites under consideration are below. Full question asked at council meeting: ‘I am very concerned that the council is considering the closure of the majority of the Borough’s public conveniences. Thirteen are, I understand, under review with the council looking to transfer ownership of 3 others. My ward Winton East has already seen the closure of the facilities on Firbank Road and is now potentially facing the loss of those on Leslie Road too.
Public conveniences are used by young and old, residents and visitors, taxi drivers, lorry drivers, delivery men and women, parents with young children, the disabled, shoppers, sightseers and even councillors. Can reassurance be given that these toilets will not be closed out of hand and that full consideration will be given to address the needs of the residents, visitors and those who work across Bournemouth?’
South East Dorset Green Party Councillor Simon Bull 07957206806
