URGENT UPDATE: Controversy erupts over reduced opening hours of the newly refurbished Conduit Lane public toilets in Grantham, with local councillor Matthew Bailey criticizing the decision as a “wasted opportunity.” The £190,000 investment by the South Kesteven District Council is now marred by limited access, leaving many residents in the dark about the new hours.
During a council meeting yesterday, July 17, Councillor Bailey demanded clarity on why the toilets, which reopened on January 27, have seen their operating days slashed from six to just two per week. His concerns were heightened following a Freedom of Information request by resident Jim Howarth, revealing that only 855 paid visitors utilized the facilities between January and the end of May. The peak day recorded a mere 31 visitors on April 7, with several days seeing no traffic at all.
Councillor Bailey expressed his frustration, stating, “Having invested £190,000 in refurbishing these facilities, the council was spending £100 a day to keep them open, often with no visitors and averaging just seven visitors daily.” He emphasized that the funding from the £5.56 million Future High Street Fund was meant to rejuvenate the entire marketplace, not just to cater to toilet needs on market days.
The lack of communication regarding the reduced hours has left Bailey questioning the council’s transparency, stating, “Our £190,000 refurbished Conduit Lane toilets seem to have had their opening times slashed, but nobody knows. Is the cabinet member expecting people to use a crystal ball every time they need a wee?”
In response, Councillor Richard Cleaver, the cabinet member for property and public engagement, admitted he could not provide an immediate explanation for the cut in hours but assured he would investigate the matter. “I don’t recommend the use of crystal balls,” he quipped, adding, “I will confirm the date for you.”
This sudden reduction in service raises pressing questions about the management of public resources and the potential for further investment to go unutilized. As the council navigates these issues, residents eagerly await answers regarding the future of their community facilities.
As this story develops, all eyes are on South Kesteven District Council for a resolution. Will the council reconsider the new hours to better accommodate residents? Stay tuned for updates.
