Update on the Takeover of Public Toilets by Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council

 

The public toilets in Lynton and Lynmouth have been under the partial management of Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council (LLTC) since May 2024, with charging gates installed at three locations:

 

Lower Lyndale (paddle gate)

Bottom Meadow (full door)

Memorial Hall (paddle gate)

Issues Since Installation:

From the start, the gates at the Lynmouth blocks have been the target of repeated vandalism, leading to loss of income due to unplanned closures. Over the past nine months, vandalism has continued, resulting in additional expenses for LLTC, which has now installed CCTV to deter and identify offenders.

 

 

The Town Hall toilet block (full doors) opened in November 2024.

Winter Closures Decision: At the Full Council Meeting on 26th September 2024, Councillor Peacock raised concerns about the winter closure of the Town Hall toilets, noting their regular use. Following a vote, it was recommended to:

 

Keep the Town Hall toilets open for winter.

Close the Bottom Meadow and Memorial Hall toilets for winter but keep Lower Lyndale open.

 

Public Toilets Reopening in 2025:

Councillor Hobbs proposed reopening the toilets for the February half-term; however, necessary repairs delayed this plan. It was recommended that toilets be reopened by 1st March 2025, once repairs are completed.

 

Questions remain as to why the toilets close every year from October to March. The Town Clerk stated this is an annual closure period, due to operational costs. Or could this be because the closures potentially aligning with the end of free on-road parking when North Devon Council (NDC), which still pays for toilet cleaning, sees reduced revenue from the village.

 

Equipment Concerns & Repairs

Paddle gates appear to have rust issues. Councillor Peacock will accompany the toilet contractor to assess the situation and determine necessary actions.

Concerns remain about whether the equipment is truly fit for purpose, given the number of repairs undertaken by Healthmatic and LLTC’s workforce.

 

Revenue & Handover Status

As of 31st December 2024, the toilets have generated £21,431 in revenue. However, the official handover from North Devon Council to LLTC has not yet been completed, meaning NDC continues to bear the cost of cleaning services.

 

The information given above is garnered from LLTC meeting minutes and the reason for sharing is to keep the public updated. 

 

We welcome any Councillors to correct or comment on any information given.