British Toilet Association: Archived News from the British Toilet Association 

New toilets provided by Harrogate Borough Council

It is very encouraging, at a time when many local authorities are closing or planning to close public toilets, that Harrogate are demonstrating respect for their residents and visitors basic need to be able to use a clean, hygienic and well equipped toilet when and where required.

Nationally, there is public concern at the decline in public toilets but in the Harrogate district residents and visitors have welcomed news of investment.

Harrogate Borough Council is into the fifth year of an eight-—year programme of renovating, refurbishing or replacing public toilets.

Work has recently been completed at toilets in Dacre, Lofthouse and Middlesmoor. Knaresborough is next to benefit with £100,000 being spent to replace toilets at the town?s busy bus station.

Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources, says that this investment will bring benefit not just for users but also for businesses. He said: “Public toilets are expensive to provide and run which is why many councils have had to close facilities. In this district, where many businesses rely for their livelihood on visitors, we have a programme of investment in our toilets. We decided that programme of investment was not just about maintenance but could include rebuilds.”

There are six public toilets in the town. These new toilets will be 24 hours, will be fully accessible together with family facilities and will also provide a small office for the local parking attendant.

18 February 2009