Dale villages will no longer lose their loos, Teesdale Mercury

Dale villages will no longer lose their loos

Oct 6, 2006

PUBLIC toilets in Teesdale look set to be saved from closure after opposition from parish councils.

The toilets in Butterknowle, Staindrop, Eggleston, Hamsterley and Etherley will now stay open, after a committee of Teesdale District Council opted to review the council's previous decision.

In a report to councillors, director of community services, Mark Ladyman said: "The council has received a number of letters and a petition against the decision to close the facilities, and has been requested to review the closure programme and replace it with a commitment to meet all revenue costs and capital costs to improve the general appearance and operations of the conveniences."

The district council met with representatives from Butterknowle, Staindrop and Eggleston parish councils after proposing to close facilities in those locations.

Mr Ladyman said: "It is the considered view of the parish councils that the toilets provide a valuable facility to visitors and tourists to the villages and any closure would have a negative impact upon the villages as tourist destinations."

Joe Hodgson, clerk at Staindrop Parish Council, said: "The facilities are very important to the village, for both visitors to the area and locals. The community will be delighted to hear that the district council is backing the proposals to keep the facilities open."

On Monday, the council's executive committee voted to keep the facilities open and commit to a capital refurbishment programme of £62,000 over five years which will be used to upgrade all remaining public conveniences.

However, the toilets in Barnard Castle's Market Place will close "due to the high level of general disrepair and accessibility problems".

Mark Ladyman said: "The toilets in the market place are subterranean and have been associated with accessibility problems, and are particularly difficult for those with disabilities. We feel it is better for everyone if they close."

He added: "The toilets near Morrisons will remain open – these facilities are much more modern and accessible."

But concerns were raised at the lack of public consultation in Barnard Castle – the only site to suffer closures.

Cllr Newton Wood said: "Barnard Castle is the only community involved in the proposals not to have been consulted on the matter. Meetings have taken place with the parish councils in Butterknowle, Staindrop, Eggleston, Hamsterley and Etherley, but not here."

He added: "The lack of public consultation in Barnard Castle has been an absolute disgrace."

A final decision will be made by the full council.