PUBLIC toilets could reopen at Salisbury’s Central Car Park if a new motion is passed.
The toilets closed at the end of March, drawing wide-spread criticism from residents who were also faced with the closure of the Market Place toilets in January.
But a new motion, initiated by councillor Chris Taylor, seeks to reopen the Central Car Park toilets as the council’s general reserves are “much improved following recent saving measures”.
This change in finances could allow the city council to purchase the freehold of the toilets from Wiltshire Council.
Councillors will discuss the motion at a meeting of the full council on Monday (September 15).
The Central Car Park toilets include a disabled toilet, baby changing facilities and have nearby blue badge parking – something the alternatives do not provide.
READ MORE: Salisbury Market Place toilets decision in limbo as working group to be formed
READ MORE: Weekly comedy night returns to Salisbury
The move comes after the council created a toilet working group to discuss the potential reopening of the Market Place toilets, but the group’s remit does not cover the amenities at the Central Car Park.
The motion reads: “The toilet building is the first building seen by many visitors and tourists who arrive by car and has been recently decorated with high quality murals.
“Opening the Central Car Park toilets is an affordable measure which will offload or reduce the usage of other city centre toilets.“
With regards to the Market Place toilets, councillors were previously presented with a range of options.
This includes building a new above ground facility at a cost of up to £1 million, creating a new facility with a stage costing up to £1,750,000 and refurbish the current toilets which could cost up to £250,000.
Following a cross-party working group being set up, the seven options in total will be whittled down to three options, with a preferred option to be presented to the council.
Leave a Reply