INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: The Lynton Town Council Toilet Takeover

Flushed Funds and Closed Doors: Inside the Toilet Takeover 

The once simple business of public convenience in Lynton and Lynmouth has spiralled into a complicated and controversial saga—costing over £110,000 to date, splitting community groups, and leaving many residents questioning whether Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council (LLTC) put the cart before the horse in their pursuit of Healthmatic’s payment gate systems. 

What began as a plan to modernise and secure funding for three public toilet blocks has now become a tale of vandalism, broken trust, secrecy, and financial strain. And all of it comes down to one thing: toilets. Vandalism, Winter Closures & Councillor Concerns Since the installation of Healthmatic payment gates in both the Memorial Hall and Lower Lyndale toilets, multiple acts of vandalism have led to costly repairs and unplanned closures—damaging not just infrastructure, but the Council’s projected revenue model. 

To make matters worse, winter closures sparked public backlash—particularly from Councillor Adrian Hobbs, the only business owner on the Council, who noted increased winter footfall while the facilities remained shuttered. Despite Hobbs’ request to reopen for February half term, Town Clerk Kevin Harris dismissed it, citing long-standing policy that “the toilets are always closed from October to March.” There was no indication of flexibility for future years. And yet, Harris regularly pointed visitors in need to the Exmoor National Park Centre toilets, regardless of proximity or accessibility, fueling further frustrations. 

 

Who's Running the Show? 

Public attendance at Council meetings has led many to believe that Town Clerk Kevin Harris is the one truly steering the ship—not the elected Councillors. Decisions, responses, and meeting agendas appear more reflective of the Clerk’s own views than a balanced, democratic process. 

Currently, equipment in the Memorial Hall toilets remains faulty, and requests for Healthmatic to repair or replace have seemingly fallen on deaf ears. In response, Councillors have now requested the toilets reopen without the payment system—but that too hangs in limbo, pending one final appeal to Healthmatic. 

 

THE LEAK: What the Lynton Action Group Knew 

An interview with former members of the Lynton Action Group (LAG) has revealed explosive details previously hidden from the public. 

Here’s what was discovered: 

🔹LLTC wanted the community to pay £20k–£40k for the installation of Town Hall toilet payment gates—with no guarantees the toilets would stay open during winter or beyond a few years. 

🔹The Council’s own figures showed the toilets would only cover half their operating costs—making a surplus "community pot" unlikely. 

🔹In April 2024, LLTC raised the community charge precept by 27.2%, citing toilet management costs as a justification (Councillor John Patrinos, LVN editorial). 

🔹A £29,049 Community Ownership Fund grant was later awarded to support the installation at Lower Lyndale—but this wasn’t disclosed during key community fundraising talks. The group believes those funds should have reduced the community’s financial burden on the Town Hall installation. 

Internal division erupted on the morning of the public meeting on March 25th, 2024, when group members Nick Lovell and Jeremy Batch allegedly changed the agenda and withheld crucial information—presenting a simplified version to the public and hiding funding truths and operational limits. This act prompted the resignation of four key LAG members—Jason Broughton, Laura Whitfield, Daniel Whitfield, and Joady Bell, citing a breakdown in integrity and transparency. 

💸 The Final Bill As of 2025, the full cost of the Healthmatic system is now known: 🔹Community Ownership Fund Grant: £29,049 

🔹Community Pledges: £20,350 

🔹LLTC Budget Allocation: £28,471 

🔹Overspend from Reserves: £32,584 

🔻 TOTAL HEALTHMATIC SPEND: £110,454 

Despite having a four-year repayment option, the Council opted to pay Healthmatic in full, draining reserves at a time when the systems are already under question for faults, reliability, and design specifications. 

Community Left in the Dark 

Many locals now feel misled—asked to pledge money under promises that weren’t fully explained. 

A growing number ask: Did Councillors push forward with Healthmatic too quickly? Were better alternatives ignored in favour of a shiny, high-tech solution? And where are the remaining Lynton Action Group members now? Critics say they “just asked for your money and ran,” offering no public updates or transparency since March 2024. Trust is dwindling fast. 

 

🔄 What Next? 

Accountability and transparency are long overdue. As toilet discussions continue at LLTC, here’s what the community deserves: 

🔹Full public breakdown of toilet running costs and system failures 

🔹Honest consultation about winter opening schedules 

🔹Proper review of Healthmatic’s suitability and faults

🔹Clear terms if public money is requested again 

🔹Alternative models considered, including reopening without pay-to-use gates The scandal that started in the toilet may yet spill over into the next local election. One thing’s for certain: residents of Lynton & Lynmouth are no longer willing to be left in the dark. 

 

📣 Have your say. 

• Were you part of the public pledges? 
• Do you feel misled? 
• Is it time for new leadership in the loos? 
• Comment below or email us in confidence. 

This report was compiled using council meeting records, interviews with former Lynton Action Group members, and documentation from public communications and pledges.