Open Letter to Monmouthshire County Council

Usk Town Council have made their feelings very clear about the closure of the toilet block on ‘the Island, Llanbadoc, although this is not technically our ward. Through letters, meetings and representations we have expressed the view that the decision was wrong and ill advised.

We make these comments for the following reasons:-

• The Island is an area of natural beauty on the banks of the River Usk with picnic tables, BBQ’s, a children’s play ground and recreational facilities. To provide so much and yet take away a basic necessity is inconceivable.
•  The area is widely used by  locals and visitors alike, is promoted in our town guide and website and on our tourist maps.
•  It is a major tourist attraction with benefits both for the immediate locality and for the County.
• The fact that the toilets are permanently locked has had an enormous impact on many people including young families, people with disabilities or health conditions and older people.
• A nearby hotel and garage are being inundated with requests to use their facilities.
• Of greater concern is the fact that it has resulted in anti social behaviour making the area a Health and Safety hazard. Specialist cleansing has had to be employed incurring unnecessary financial costs.

•  The nearest public convenience is now over half a mile away, totally unacceptable and having the effect of depriving people, of all ages, of their basic human rights and their confidence to be able to access a toilet when needed.

The M.C.C. response has been to install one Portaloo without prior consultation with the Town Council. Apart from the fact that it is not suitable for the disabled, nor does it have baby changing facilities there is also a cost implication which is marginally less than the toilet block. It has in fact exacerbated the problems and, in short, is not an acceptable or viable alternative. It does however indicate that MCC acknowledge the need for toilet provision.

Usk has the dubious honour of paying the highest Council taxes in Monmouthshire with fewer benefits than most. Despite this the County Council are expecting its residents to agree to heavily subsidising the running and maintenance of these toilets, or they will not be reopened. They are their sole responsibility.

We are therefore asking Monmouthshire County Council to reconsider their decision and to ensure that the reopening of the public toilets at the Island is a priority and completed urgently.

Signed

Christine Wilkinson - Deputy Mayor

On behalf of Usk Town Council