More 'Changing Places' to help boost public toilet availability

Two new 'Changing Places' toilets in busy tourist areas alongside upgrades for many council-operated facilities and modern smart phone-friendly signage have all been introduced in the last year.

A report to Cabinet next week reviewing the council's Toilet Strategy also highlights how the council is encouraging private businesses to help out by making their toilets available to the public as well.

Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "Toilets are an important part of the services people in our communities need, especially the vulnerable and the disabled.

"We're proud of the work we've done to set up a network of 'changing places' toilets in busy areas around the city, including Swansea Indoor Market, Swansea Arena as well as shortly at Knab Rock and Rhossili.

"They are part of an investment of well over £300,000 in the last few years dedicated to improving public toilet facilities that's also helped make them easier for our teams to clean more frequently, especially during busy holiday periods."

He said: "Changing Places are roomy facilities with hoists and other equipment available so severely disabled people and their families can make use of them to ensure that their toileting and care needs can be properly met with no loss of dignity or risk to their safety."

"The feedback we've had has been very positive with people saying that it gives them and their families confidence to get out and about, knowing they're unlikely to be very far from a Changing Place if they need one."

Cllr Anderson added: "We've refurbished the community toilets in Clydach and at the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park and more work is planned for other facilities too.

"We've also introduced new, modern signage at all our toilets so people can get all the information they need about opening times and locations of other facilities using QR codes to look-up details using their smart phones."

He added: "Public toilets are important to all of us. The council invests heavily in improving our facilities and I'm grateful to all the staff who do a great job cleaning and maintaining them. But we're in the hands of the public and we need everyone to play their part by treating toilets with respect and to report faults or concerns to us promptly.

"It's easy to do via a smartphone. Just go to the website at https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/9068/Public-toilets "

The toilet strategy is part of policy commitment pledges signed off by Full Council last year.

Cllr Anderson said the toilet strategy is based on support, encouragement and consultation with local interest groups. Cabinet will be told next week the service will continue to evolve in coming years and will include assessing libraries, leisure centres and other public buildings for inclusion in the toilets network.

Recent improvements at Clydach included new tiling and floors, replacement of damaged guttering and doors, an upgrade for the disabled toilet and a deep clean and re-painting of the facilities.

The facelift at Singleton Park also included new handrails, roof repairs, and tiling and damaged door replacement.

A list and an interactive map of more than 30 public toilets located around Swansea can be found here: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/9068/Public-toilets