Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to the first report of the evening, presented by the Senior Building and Projects Officer. It was explained that West Lindsey District Council’s three public toilet facilities in Caistor, Market Rasen and Gainsborough required significant refurbishment due to ageing infrastructure, declining accessibility standards, and increasing maintenance issues. These facilities played an important role in supporting town centre use, public health and overall user experience.

Three options had been assessed, ranging from doing nothing to undertaking a full refurbishment, with the recommendation being for the latter. It was explained that this would provide a 15–20-year asset life extension, ensure compliance with modern accessibility and safety standards, reduce maintenance costs, improve energy efficiency, and deliver a consistent, high-quality user experience across all sites.

It was noted that this option provided the best long-term value, environmental benefits, and alignment with the Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan, and as such approval was sought for the drawdown of £190k to proceed with full refurbishment works in 2026/27.

Members of the Committee were fully supportive of the proposals, however enquired as to the impact of the closures whilst work was undertaken. It was confirmed that temporary facilities would be in place for the duration of the closures and the cost of this provision was included in the total amount requested. Members also enquired as to the options regarding the transfer of assets to the town councils, to which it was confirmed that this would be a feasible option in the future.

Members commented on the importance of maintaining the high standard of provision once works were completed, particularly with a view to avoiding vandalism and wilful damage, with Officers explaining there would be a number of ways this could be achieved such as increased patrols, and use of CCTV. In response to a question regarding the potential to use solar panels on the premises, it was explained that whilst the use of panels may not be feasible, the designs did introduce sun tubes, which would reduce the reliance on artificial lighting.

The Chairman brought the debate to a conclusion, thanking the Officer for his comprehensive report and supporting the positive comments from Committee Members. He confirmed that, of the options provided, the first option of full refurbishment had been proposed and seconded, alongside the subsequent recommendations in the report.

On taking the vote, it was

            RESOLVED that

a)    the draw down of £190k from the Maintenance of Facilities Reserve to fully refurbish all 3 public conveniences across the district be approved; and

b)    an amendment to the capital programme for 2026/27 to create a new capital scheme for ‘Refurbishment of Public Toilet Facilities’ with a total scheme cost of £190k be approved; and

c)    the council actively engage with the three town councils to explore the appetite for transfer of the assets post the improvement works, in line with the council’s new community asset transfer and in light of pending Local Government Reorganisation.