COUNCILLORS are set to consider a report outlining the future for public toilets which are operated by Argyll and Bute Council.
The authority’s policy lead for roads, transport and amenity services insists that the document will not propose closure of any facilities.
Instead, it will present “an opportunity to work with communities and partners” to keep public toilets open for use.
Councillor John Armour’s (SNP, South Kintyre) report as policy lead will be considered by the full council at its meeting on Wednesday, September 23.
He said: “Members will be asked to consider a report setting out the council’s evidence-led review of its public convenience estate, recognising the important role these facilities play for residents, visitors, local businesses, staff welfare, public health and the wider visitor economy.
“The review does not propose closures at this stage. Instead, it creates an opportunity to work with communities and partners to explore sustainable, locally appropriate solutions, including community-led models where these could help protect valued facilities while reducing pressure on council budgets.”
Councillor Armour also reported that an update on the council’s waste management programme will be considered.
He said: “Members will be asked to consider an update on Argyll and Bute Council’s waste management services at a time of significant regulatory, financial and operational change.
“The report will highlight the work being undertaken to comply with the ban on landfilling biodegradable municipal waste, manage the transition from the former PPP waste contract, and prepare for future changes including packaging producer responsibility, the deposit return scheme, and a new statutory recycling code of practice.
“The council has made good progress, including closing mainland landfill sites, progressing island landfill exemptions for Islay and Mull, improving island recycling facilities, developing new waste management contract arrangements, and continuing to manage key risks around cost, compliance, island logistics and service continuity.”
The reports themselves will go before the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee on Friday, October 9.
The meeting was postponed from September due to the funeral of Argyll and Bute’s late provost, Douglas Philand.
