A feasibility study around public toilets in Whitehaven has been given the go ahead. Whitehaven Town Council agreed Mayor, Mike Starkie’s proposal to partner in the study yesterday (29th October), at a meeting of the town council.
The Market Hall Public toilets closed in 2017 after a spate of vandalism. Drugs and needles were also found inside.
Whitehaven Town Council has pledged £50,000 to support Copeland Borough Council in a joint initiative which will identify partnership responsibilities, appropriate sights, cost implications and public requirements.
Mike Starkie, Elected Mayor of Copeland, wrote to Whitehaven Town Council to garner support for the introduction and upkeep of public toilets in Whitehaven, in response to continuous feedback from residents. He said: “The decision to close public toilets in Whitehaven was made in 2013.
“I’ve been approached many times by residents around the lack of facilities in Whitehaven and it’s clear that due to the pandemic and the decline in high streets that there has never been a more pressing time to do everything we can to drive footfall into our principle town.
“With the potential £25 million investment in Whitehaven through our Future High Street bid it is paramount that we have the basic facilities the town requires in order for residents and visitors to enjoy all that will be on offer.
“We hope this study will bring about the possibility of reintroducing public toilets in the very near future.”
Brian O’Kane, Mayor of Whitehaven, said: “The conversation around public toilets has been ongoing for some time.
“Residents and visitors have expressed their desire for public toilets in the town for years, and I’m glad this gives us the opportunity to progress the matter.
“We hope that the addition of public toilets will ensure that Whitehaven becomes fit for the future as we make continuous efforts to revitalise the town and our offer to residents and visitors.”
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