Tell us your thoughts on public toilet provision in Kingston
Kingston Council is developing a new Public Toilet Access Strategy to provide a framework for the effective and coordinated provision of public toilets across the borough.
The council recognises the importance of clean, well maintained and accessible toilets. The new strategy will be developed in partnership with residents, businesses and organisations across the borough.
A public toilet is any toilet facility that is available for use by the general public (eg. not just paying customers if located within a shop or restaurant).
The new strategy will explore any gaps in provision to ensure clean toilets are available in the most appropriate locations for all groups of people and to make it easier for people to locate the closest toilet.
The council’s proposal to permanently close toilet facilities at four car park sites (Bittoms, Rose, Cattle Market and Blagdon Road) was provisionally approved at Council Committee yesterday. It currently costs approx £40,000 a year to manage and maintain these facilities.
The council run toilets at Queens Promenade, Athelstan Rec, Latchmere Rec, Alexandra Rec, Manor Park and Beverley Park will remain open.
Kingston Council is in a challenging financial position facing significant additional demands and substantial income losses. This situation has been further exacerbated by the ongoing economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We will carry out a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the current community need and access, and will set guidelines for the future design of toilets for public use across the borough, to ensure adequate provision for all.
We want to hear from all communities across Kingston, including businesses, those working and studying here, as well as visitors to the borough, to ensure we understand your needs and that our strategy effectively addresses the issues raised and provides appropriate solutions.
To tell us your thoughts on public toilet provision in Kingston please visit: kingstonletstalk.co.uk/public-toilets by 9 April 2021.
If you require the survey in a more accessible format, please contact engagement@kingston.gov.uk or call 020 8547 5000.
All views will be heard and your feedback will help to inform and shape the new strategy.