Issue - meetings

Members noted Cabinet’s response to the petition as contained within the report.

Cabinet was advised that Covid19 pandemic presented significant challenges to the safe opening of public toilets around Thanet beaches and in the wider district following the relaxation of the national lockdown in May. 

Measures were put in place to allow social distancing to be maintained in public toilets. Additional temporary toilets were also provided at Margate and Botany Bay. The temporary toilets and social distancing measures have impacted significantly on limited budget provision for public toilets. The seasonal toilets remained open until late September 2020.

Councillor Kup spoke under Council Procedure 20.1.

Councillor Albon proposed, Councillor Everitt seconded and Cabinet agreed:

To note the concerns raised and respond to confirm that toilet facilities serving Thanet beaches will be reviewed by officers and members over the winter season with the review and recommendations to be reported back to Cabinet in March 2021.

Mr Adrian Smith presented an e-petition regarding adequate toilet facilities on Thanet Beaches. Members noted that the following e-petition contained 147 signatures:

“We the undersigned petition the council to hold a thorough review of the facilities available around the Thanet beaches to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both visitors and residents and to invest in adequate infrastructure to meet the outcomes.”

In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, the petition was referred to Cabinet without debate for report back to the Council within three ordinary meetings.