REDCAR & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet yesterday (Tuesday 29 October) agreed to introduce charging at Moore Street public toilets in Redcar.
Over the last few years, the toilets have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and drug use, with needles abandoned recklessly exposing families and children to dangerous conditions. Staff have also faced abuse when attempting to keep the toilets clean.
To deter the behaviour, the toilets will soon have a barrier system requiring users to pay 30 pence for entry. This will be done via a contactless payment system.
Access to the accessible toilet and Changing Places toilet will remain free at the point of use and will not have barrier systems installed but will continue to require radar key and passcode access.
The Council has tried to use other methods to control the anti-social behaviour at the toilets, including hiring a security guard over the summer months. But today, cabinet agreed this wasn’t sustainable, and a more permanent and cost-effective solution was required.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture at the Council, explained: “The health and safety of our residents and visitors is paramount, and this action will make the toilets cleaner and safer. When toilets are regularly targeted for vandalism and misuse, it not only increases day to day maintenance costs but also places the toilets out of use until repairs can be completed.
“We must not allow this to continue, and funding security guards during the summer just isn’t sustainable, nor do we want to close the toilets permanently. We need public toilets to be fit for purpose, especially as Redcar is undergoing some major regeneration, which will welcome more and more visitors to the area.”