Refurbishment of Winchester's public toilets begins

A major district-wide programme is under way following widespread criticism of the state of the conveniences.

As previously reported, Julian Perkins addressed Winchester City Council's Cabinet about his experience of using the disabled toilets in Market Lane, the busiest in the district.

Mr Perkins, of Hyde Gate, Hyde, said on a visit there was no toilet roll which caused him difficulties.

This came before the Chronicle received a letter from resident Wendy Hunt, calling out the city council by saying 'our local toilets must be a health hazard and something should be done.'

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The refurbishment of the public toilets is now underway, beginning with the toilets on Market Lane, next to St Maurice's Covert. The work began on the public restrooms on Monday, March 18.

The work includes replacing toilet pans and seats, new basins with aerated taps, new chrome pipework to urinals, replacing sanitaryware throughout the accessible toilet, and replacement of the floor vinyl, bins, and damaged panelling, as well as a thorough environmental clean throughout.

Following the completion of the work in Market Lane, the next ones due for refurbishment currently look set to be in Bishop's Waltham and Abbey Gardens in Winchester.

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Leader of Winchester City Council, Cllr Martin Tod, said: "All over the country, councils are closing their public toilets.

"Under the Liberal Democrats in Winchester, careful management of the council's finances means we're investing in ours, with extra cleaning and refurbishment, starting with our most heavily used toilets in Market Lane."

As reported, last autumn, the council approved a major programme of refurbishment and improvements.

It currently operates 10 toilets across the district, with another currently closed in Middle Brook Street due to chronic anti-social behaviour.