Town councillors have given their first thoughts on plans to build a block of six unisex toilets in Cricketfield Road car park, Newton Abbot.
The councillors saw the plans for the £250,000 development for the first time at Newton Abbot Town Council's meeting on Wednesday last week. All councillors agreed that new toilets are a much-needed facility. The block would also house a disabled toilet and baby-changing facility. 'Unisex toilets have become a tried and tested method and there is less vandalism to this kind of toilet,' said Cllr Keith Smith. 'I am appalled they will cost £250,000, but they would be a great asset. They are in the right place and it is about time that they got built.' Cllr Henry Cole suggested that users should pay a small charge for using the toilets to help recoup some of the money spent building the block and to aid in maintaining it. Cllrs Reg Wills, Daphne Watts and David Corney-Walker all welcomed the idea. 'We should congratulate Teignbridge Council, as the toilets in the car park at the moment are a disgrace,' said Cllr Watts. Town clerk Rod Tuck said that he had been in contact with Rick Warren, a building technician at Teignbridge Council, who said that the residents who live by the proposed development site would be contacted and CCTV for the area is being considered. Mr Tuck also said the colour of the building still needed to be discussed. The town council planning committee will discuss the plans at a future meeting and make recommendations to Teignbridge Council. It is hoped that the block will be built and ready for use late this year.