Agreeing the future for Holt toilets

The Cabinet of North Norfolk District Council gave its approval yesterday (5 January 2009) to a plan to offer the site of the Church Street toilets to Holt Town Council.

The proposal follows a meeting between Town and District Councillors last year to discuss the future of the site of the toilets, which were closed in 2005 owing to low usage and problems with anti-social behaviour. The District Council had originally planned to sell the site on the open market, but the Town Council and local residents said that they hoped it would be possible to investigate options for community use.

"The District Council has a duty to secure the best possible price for the people of North Norfolk when disposing of its assets, and this is normally achieved through offering sites on the open market," said Cllr Peter Moore, NNDC Cabinet Portfolio-holder for Resources. "However, we have discussed a number of options for the future of the Church Street toilets. In this case and as Holt Town Council has expressed its commitment to utilising the site for the benefit of the community we think they should be given the opportunity to acquire the site. Rather than go straight to the open market we have recommended that we set aside 60 days for the negotiation of an acceptable price which will have to comply with legislation."

Philip High, District Councillor for Holt, expressed his support for the compromise decision, saying he hoped an agreement could be reached in the time allowed.

Virginia Gay, District Council Leader, said, "We are very pleased that it looks as if we are heading towards reaching an agreement that will work in the best interests of the people of Holt and those of the District as a whole."

The District Council will start making improvements to Holt's Albert Street toilets in February. The work involves doubling the facilities available and the provision of hot water. The improvements are due to be completed in time for Easter.

ENDS