TWO of the three blocks of public toilets in Melksham could be set to close next year as local councillors agreed that the town could not afford to take on the service when Wiltshire Council withdraws its funding.
Following discussions at a recent meeting, Melksham’s policy and resources committee agreed to recommend that the town council does not continue to provide toilets on Bath Road or in the Market Place.
The committee will propose instead that the town council only maintains the conveniences on Church Street, and that a budget of £8,000 is set aside to do so.
Based on Wiltshire Council’s costing of the facilities’ upkeep, the town council could have needed a budget of up to £35,000 to keep all three blocks open. Councillor Jon Hubbard argued that to do so would not be financially viable for the council, and it would mean adding a huge increase to the council precept paid by local residents, which is already expected to rise as Wiltshire Council continues to cut services.
The councillors agreed that the new public toilets to be provided at the Melksham campus would be sufficient to replace the ones beside the town hall. It was suggested that the council explore opening the town hall facilities to the public during the interim.
The toilets near the skate park on Bath Road were considered to be the least used and most expensive to maintain, due to the showering facilities.
Mayor of Melksham Terri Welch said she believed the Church Street block should be saved because it was in the centre of town and had fewer nearby alternatives than the other two.
The committee’s recommendation will now go to a vote at the full town council, where a decision will be made.
The decision will be one of many as, in coming months, central Government cuts will see Wiltshire Council provide fewer services and put more pressure on the town council to either take on the responsibilities and increase tax, or see the services cut altogether.
If the council decides not to take on public toilets, unless another group in the town steps forward to take responsibility, they will be closed down.
Wiltshire Council is still holding a survey to hear residents’ views on the changes to the service.
To take part, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/publicconveniencessurvey
