“It is a matter of public health, dignity and good civic infrastructure”
Public toilet opening hours may be extended at beaches along the Ards peninsula and North Down, following a drive from the local council.
Elected representatives at Ards and North Down Borough Council are tasking officials with a report looking at the practicalities of the proposal.
DUP Alderman Alan Graham and DUP Councillor James Cochrane, successfully forwarded a motion at a council committee meeting, commissioning a report to explore options for the extension of public toilet opening hours during the summer months to 9pm near beaches “and other busy areas.”
The report will also look at expanding baby changing facilities at public toilets in the borough.
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In the borough, opening hours for public toilets from May to August are 8am to 7pm, while from September to April opening hours are 8am to 6pm. The toilets at South Pier Bangor, the Parade Donaghadee, Mill Street Newtownards and Bridge Street Comber are open to 9pm during July and August and close at 6pm for the rest of the year.
Alderman Graham said during the September meeting of the council’s Environment Committee: “This may not be the most exciting topic, but nonetheless it is very important for our residents and visitors to the very attractive and excellent outdoor facilities we have in the borough.”
He said: “I know there can be issues of antisocial behaviour around these facilities, and vandalism adds to the problem. It is why we have to have a robust report on the whole issue. However, for people with young families, and people with other challenges, it is essential we have good quality provision of toilet facilities and baby changing facilities.”
Councillor Cochrane said: “As we all know, the summer months bring an increase in footfall in our beautiful public spaces, whether that is families spending time in local parks, visitors enjoying our beaches or residents simply out walking in the longer evenings. With that increased footfall comes a very basic and practical need – access to public toilets.
“Expanding public toilet opening hours to 9pm in busy hours during the summer isn’t just a convenience, it is a matter of public health, dignity and good civic infrastructure. In my own district electoral area, places like the Commons in Donaghadee are increasingly busy in summer evenings with families picnicking, children playing, and tourists strolling along the beautiful coastal path.
“Yet the early closing of the toilets can be a real issue for families with young children or elderly relatives. Similarly Harbour Road in Groomsport sees a great deal of evening activity during the summer months, whether it is people dining at the local restaurants or enjoying an ice cream by the sea.
“It is not uncommon to see people affected by a lack of facilities after 6pm. It detracts from the experience and creates an unnecessary stress for residents and visitors alike.
“There is also Ward Park in Bangor, a green space in the heart of the city. The park is used well into the evening for strolls, dog walking, and children playing in the newly refurbished park. When the toilets close early, it limits how people will comfortably enjoy that space.
“This motion isn’t about major capital spending at all, it is about adapting our services in line with public use, and has a number of wide-ranging benefits.”
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