Limited number of public toilets to re-open in Torbay

A number of toilets around Torbay are to re-open from today.

All public toilets in the area had previously been closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: “Following extensive conversations with our contractor Healthmatic, we will be re-opening a limited number of public toilets across Torbay from today (Friday 22 May).

“Site Specific Risk Assessments have been completed, which have identified a number of units that can safely re-open.”

1 toilet at Brixham Breakwater (Unisex DDA ONLY Pay on entry)
1 toilet at Brixham Harbour (Unisex DDA ONLY Pay on entry)
1 toilet at Bank Lane, Brixham (Unisex DDA ONLY Pay on entry)
1 toilet at Goodrington Central (Unisex DDA ONLY Pay on entry)
1 toilet at Goodrington North (Unisex DDA ONLY Free)
1 toilet at Preston North (Unisex DDA ONLY Free)
1 toilet at Corbyn Head (Unisex DDA ONLY Free)
1 toilet at Torre Abbey Meadows (Unisex DDA ONLY Free)
1 toilet at Torquay Seafront Complex (Unisex DDA ONLY Pay on entry)

Additional cleaning regimes and frequencies will be in place, and users will be asked to adhere to the guidance on display with regards to social distancing and hygiene, both before and after using the facilities.

To minimise the risk to the public, only single occupancy cubicles will be available for use to avoid users gathering in communal areas. In addition, cash payments have been disabled with only contactless payments being accepted.

Units will be closed when cleaning is being carried out, and appropriate signage will be in place to notify users of this. Users are asked to remain patient when cleaning is taking place, abusive or offensive behavior towards cleaning operatives will not be tolerated.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council, said “We have discussed the re-opening of public toilets at considerable length with our contractor Healthmatic, who are widely known as leaders in the field of Public Toilet Management. We are confident that the measures being implemented protect not only users but the cleaning operatives. The re-opening of some facilities is on a trial basis and will be subject to ongoing Risk Assessments and reviews”.

Toilets that are not listed to re-open have been subject to the same Risk Assessment process, but have not met the required standards to allow them to be re-opened safely.

Prior to the re-opening facilities will have been subject to a deep clean.

Whilst the UK Government has relaxed some of the lockdown measures, we all still have a responsibility to help control the spread of the virus by; staying at home as much as possible, working from home (if you can), limiting contact with other people, keeping your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible) and washing hands regularly. Further guidance and support on staying safe outside your home can be found on the government’s website.