Issue - meetings

Members noted the report.

Cabinet agreed that the facilities referred to in the petition had been closed for over 3 years and there was no realistic prospect of the council re-opening them. Therefore, whilst Members had sympathy with the objectives of the petitioners, there was no funding to build or maintain toilets in the area. It was worth noting that there were alternative facilities located reasonably close to the beach that members of the public could access.

Councillor Campbell spoke under Council Procedure Rule 20.1.

Councillor Townend proposed, Councillor Stummer-Schmertzing seconded and Cabinet agreed to consider these comments as part ofthe strategic toilet review which is ongoing and will be presented to Cabinet in 2018.

Ms Morgan presented a paper petition containing 1910 valid signatures and an e-petition containing 135 valid signatures as follows:

“We the undersigned petition the council to reinstate our local facilities along the Western undercliff, Ramsgate. It is imperative that we have public conveniences for all. The nearest toilets now are at the top of the cliff, which means it excludes people with disabilities and most parents with small children. We feel that this would increase the usage of the area and encourage tourists.”

In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, the petition was referred to Cabinet without debate.