Three-month closure of toilet block sparks concern

The toilet block is one of only two disabled toilets in Newent

Plans to refurbish public toilets have sparked concerns over the impact on elderly, disabled and pregnant residents.

Forest of Dean District Council is planning to refurbish the Lewell Street toilets, near the lake in Newent, from the week commencing 21 October.

Town resident Clare Stone is concerned the public convenience will be closed for three months at short-notice, without any alternative provision in place.

However, the authority say there will be minimal provision in place while work is carried out, and are liaising with local businesses to secure other options.

'Inconsiderate decision'

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a rain water harvesting tank is being placed underground in the pedestrianised verge of the toilet block.

One side wall of the block will also need underpinning, as the tank will be close to the block.

However, Ms Stone questions what steps have been taken by the council to fulfil their public sector duty of equality, in making the decision to scrap temporary provisions "at minimal notice" to save money.

“It feels to me as though this way of cutting costs might have a far greater impact on say pregnant women, older and disabled people," she said.

“In my opinion, if they don’t have the money to do this in a way that shows some consideration for our residents and visitors, of all ages and abilities, they shouldn’t do it at all.

"It’s a shameful lack of respect," she added.

A spokesperson for Forest of Dean District Council said they "appreciate that there may be some inconvenience" caused by the works, and are working to mitigate this.

"We have agreed with the contractor to ensure that a minimal provision is to be kept open where practically possible while the works take place, including use of a disabled toilet.

“In addition, we are working with local businesses to secure alternative toilet provision for public use.”