7:00am Monday 29th June 2009
By Ed Perkins
I HAVE a theory about councillors. It is my belief that they are humans without bladders.
My evidence is that whenever the subject of toilets comes up few recognise to the need to provide them as a matter of urgency.
Back in May, Bournemouth councillors went on a tour of public conveniences in the resort to decide if any should be re-opened.
The result was that they agreed many should be demolished, although they did back plans for a new block at Pelhams Park by 2010. So keep your fingers (and legs) crossed.
Incidentally, the latest toilet request to the council concerns a clifftop cafe, which is lacking any loo on its premises. Uncomfortable news if you find out after you have just finished your fourth pot of tea.
The tenant wants to provide them. The landlord – Bournemouth Council – is tied by a 100-year-old covenant on the land and has only agreed to provide the addition of a pathway behind the café. (Knowing nothing whatever about the issues involved, I can only assume that isn’t put forward as a solution.) There is, however, a public toilet nearby. That will not be much comfort for the café tenant or, indeed, many café-goers but at least it shows the importance of maintaining public loos so long as – and this is key – they are kept spotlessly clean and up to the mark.
Public lavatory provision is a subject that councillors must keep looking into. If they want to hold on to their seats.
Providing sufficient public conveniences in a tourist resort like Bournemouth is essential.
The bottom will not fall out of the market.
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