Newquay Town Council defends decision to close two public toilets

Newquay Town Council has defended its decision to close two sets of public toilets in the town, a move that has been criticised by former councillors and some residents.

The Chester Road and Pentire Headland toilets were closed suddenly on Friday, with the council confirming the move in a statement on Friday afternoon.

The council said the closures were agreed at a meeting of its Environment and Facilities Committee on 16th October and followed “many months of discussion” about how to sustain services amid rising costs and ongoing vandalism.

In the statement, the council said the Pentire Headland toilets were being shut after Cornwall Council decided to transfer the nearby car park, which was originally intended to fund their upkeep, to the Cornwall Heritage Trust. The Town Council said it remains open to working in partnership with the Trust, which is now considering whether to take on responsibility for the toilets.

Chester Road toilets were closed due to “low usage,” while the council also plans to reduce the number of cubicles open during winter at other sites, ensuring at least one accessible toilet remains available wherever possible.

Newquay Town Council currently operates around 13 public toilet sites at a total annual cost of about £400,000, more than any other town in Cornwall. It said the changes were necessary to focus limited funds on maintaining the busiest and most essential facilities.

The decision has drawn criticism from some former councillors and local business owners. Former councillor Andy Hannan said: “You only have to look at the latest list of new Town Council vacancies and recruitments to see where our money is going, more management roles instead of workers on the ground making our town better.”
And former councillor Zoe Dixon added: “Before taking on any more facilities, the Town Council should make those it already has responsibility for sustainable and reverse decisions to close essential facilities like the toilets.”

PRESS PLAY to listen to our interview with Newquay Mayor and councillor Drew Creek who explains the reason behind the move...