William MacDougall submits 10-point Action Plan to improve Borough's 7 public toilets 10/08/04

Responding to Haringey Council’s consultation on public toilets, William MacDougall, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Tottenham, has submitted a 10-point Action Plan suggesting ways of making them safer and more cost effective.

On behalf of Tottenham Conservatives, William MacDougall, a former Haringey councillor, has called for better security, improved baby-changing facilities and longer opening times. The Action plan in full is:

1. The council should put all toilets that are not currently in use on the market. There are several in Tottenham which could be sold off to private developers (for instance: Bruce Grove and High Cross). The capital could then be used to improve existing toilets.

2. Alarms should be installed not only to improve safety but to give users a feeling of security.

3. Locks should be installed on all cubicle doors.

4. A ‘hygiene squad’ should visit twice a day (and to ensure that there is enough toilet paper and soap).

5. The council should ask the Borough Commander to ensure that Ward liaison officer(s)/community support member(s) be responsible for visiting the property regularly.

6. Provide a special facility for the disposal of needles, not to encourage drug use, but to protect the public.

7. Ensure that the facility is adequately lit.

8. Apply for funding to improve disabled toilet facilities and to provide better baby-changing facilities.

9. Display signs to point to toilets (many people may not know where the are located).

10. Increase opening hours (from 7am to 19:00).

Tottenham Conservatives are encouraging residents to download a questionnaire by visiting www.haringey.gov.uk, calling 020 8489 1161 or emailing salome.simoes@haringey.gov.uk to make suggestions on how to improve public toilets. The closing date for submissions is Saturday, 4th September 2004.

ENDS.