Alloa public toilets are saved from demolition
Hamish Hutchinson • Published 2 Feb 2012 08:00
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THE Alloa town centre toilets have been saved from demolition.
A review of public conveniences in Alloa, including the loos in Maple Court, will now take place by officers.
The move was agreed at Thursday's full Clackmannanshire Council meeting.
SNP council leader Gary Womersley said, "The closure of the toilets sent out a message that was not well received by local businesses and the community, and it wasn't restricted to just Alloa. This is a new administration and we have a different approach which I am hopeful is getting over."
Councillors heard that the cost of reinstating the toilets would be £20,000 - the same sum needed to fund a temporary public loo during the renovation work of the Speirs Centre in Primrose Street.
Garry Dallas, Director of Services to Communities, said the money for the temporary public loo could be transferred to the Maple Court toilets for those facilities to reopen instead. He added that, if reopened, the annual running costs of the Maple Court toilets would be around £65,000.
Deputy council leader Mark English criticised the way the closure of the toilets was handled by the previous administration.
He said, "There was a £2 million regeneration of the town centre and what would have pleased me was if the public conveniences had been taken into consideration."
The toilets in the Alloa town centre were closed in February 2010 as part of a public convenience cull that also saw closures in Tillicoultry and Tullibody. The move sparked a 'Save oor lavvies' campaign and petition to reinstate the loos in Alloa.
But despite thousands of residents and shoppers calling for a reversal, the decision stuck.
Labour councillor Janet Cadenhead said, "I was the leader that closed the toilets so if you're going to blame anyone, blame me. It is something that is happening all over the country - toilets are closing.
"It is a very emotive issue for the people of Alloa and I accept that but should we really be spending £65,000 on toilets?"
Her comments were echoed by fellow Labour colleague Sam Ovens who argued that there would be public toilets in the Speirs Centre once renovation was complete.
He said that in conversation with a constituent on the issue, explaining there was a toilet within 100 yards of the bus stance, she replied, "Aye, but that's a walk".
But Mr Womersley claimed the toilet facilities within the Speirs Centre would only be the minimum required for staff.
Independent Craig Holden blasted Ms Cadenhead's attitude on the issue.
He said, "She still doesn't get it why people were unhappy. This won't be the last time we will be revisiting decisions of the previous administration.
"We will listen to what the people of Alloa have to say. If they want it, we will take that decision, not council officers."
Lib Dem councillor John Biggam wryly commented, "You wouldn't realise there was an election coming up with this coming today.
"This is carrying on the issue of the public toilets right on and up to the election By accepting this paper the toilets will become an election issue, however I am quite happy to go along with the review."
Conservative councillor Alastair Campbell used the issue to quip that the ideal slogan for the Nationalists would be "vote SNP, the toilet party".
All councillors bar the Labour group voted in favour of saving the toilets from demolition. The Labour members either voted against or abstained.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 01 Feb 12
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