Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
6 January 2010
16:4336544What would you like to be cut instead Bern? It is very easy for Vic to say cut allowances but the amount that could be cut is minimal and would not make any impression on the problem.
I challenge all of you who object to this action, specially given the fact that there is a way of keeping the loos open if DTC play ball, to say what you would cut instead. If you dont want loos to close then realistic alternatives must be suggested.
Dont be cowardly, say what you think needs to be done, placing yourself in the position of a decision maker and take the flak. Allowances wil not cut the mustard I am afraid
Guest 652- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 595
6 January 2010
17:0136546I thought you were referring to the gate underneath Charlton school not the gents toilets on London Rd
Guest 652- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 595
6 January 2010
17:0436548Sorry posting above should be on Charlton school
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
6 January 2010
17:2036552Why not just have an open french style loo in Gaol Lane, to compliment the rest of it. See my Gaol Lane posting.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
6 January 2010
17:2736553I tell you what I will do if the D,D.C. open them up again by the Town Hall.I will keep the gents clean myself with out geting paid for doing it,but not the LadysNow that is fair But it will be after I am better in afew weeks time.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
6 January 2010
17:4536556Why not have the towns toilets maintained by those on Community Service?. An endless supply of relatively free labour for those that normally take from society.Here is a perfect opportunity for these lads and lasses to put something back into the local community.Problem solved.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
6 January 2010
18:0036561Good idea Marek
Also do some rubbish chewing gum gleaning and verge clearance
Also as per my post 90. Charge for use and the running costs for maintenance etc will reduce.
Unregistered User
6 January 2010
18:0136562Very happy to talk David. Always looking for a solution.
I am not into the poltical stuff either, much prefer sensible conversations with proper timelines.
Watty
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
6 January 2010
18:1136567I can't help thinking though that too much is being made of the toilets issue - I wonder how many of us actually use the public toilets ??
As mentioned above there are quite a few places in town (library, museum, de bradlei, station, etc) but personally if I am away somewhere, I would much rather use somewhere in a shopping centre or support a coffee shop/pub and have a drink then use the facilites - I am sure many people on here do that.
I do think that closing them is the wrong choice as it is too visible to the council tax payers (rather than lose it within the bigger number), but every council across the country is struggling and something has to go !!
Like above though I think that a well maintained central paid for facility would be a way forwards, it works abroad and in large cities so why not Dover ?
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
6 January 2010
18:2436570Watty
What stops the council from asking for community service offenders to assist in the upkeep of public toilets? And as you like a 'Timeline' you have all week to think of an answer and a reply.
P aka S
My wife when pregnant had to use the loo every 15 minutes as the baby was sitting(?) lying awkwardly. We used the public loos quite a bit as using the bogs in pubs and cafes became expensive as I was brought up that one should make a small purchase before using their facilities. I have never used the fire or mountain rescue service but still contribute to their upkeep.It's nice to know its there in the event of an emergency for myself and others.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Unregistered User
6 January 2010
18:4036574Marek, I can ask the question.Thanks.When we have used them previously they come with too many restrictions, such as H & S training , not demeaning the offender with certain jobs etc.No guarantees they would turn up. So loos would have the potential not to be opened up or closed or cleaned regularly.Watty
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
6 January 2010
18:5136575Watty
Thanks . I hear tell that community service offenders in Scotland have been rounded up and given the task of clearing the cities pavements of snow and ice.
I wonder whats more demeaning breaking and entering,shoplifting,taking drugs,public disorder or cleaning well maintained public loo,s? Difficult one that ...
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Unregistered User
6 January 2010
19:0436576Marek, I'll let you use your own "value judgements".
Interestingly, as an aside. I wrote to Kent's Chief Constable about what PCSO's were allowed to do and why he had not taken up the full ENFORCEMENT powers they could use and why the powers they were allowed to use [6 in total]were not being used. This letter was prompted by every Council Leader in Kent expressing total dissatisfaction with the current system and calling for action. I await a reply before he moves on.
Watty
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
6 January 2010
19:5336584quite right about keeping politics out of this issue.
earlier in this award winning thread paul w issued an edict from the fuhrer bunker which attempted to widen the debate over funding.
we all agree that the public toilets are disgraceful, not only in our town, many others too.
we all know that councils seem strapped for cash.
we learn from other posters here that when a charge is levied, the filthy element seem to go somewhere else.
we now know that there is less maintenance and cleaning costs at paid for facilities.
to my simple way of thinking, the answer is clear, pay at the point of use, to us chaps, pay at the point of pointing.
we would now just need to know what the number crunchers at town and district council would need to charge to keep these going.
this does not take away the fact that the closure without discussion was out of order.
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
6 January 2010
20:1636593This is a press release issued by Dover and Deal Labour Councillors;
Labour says;Don't take it out on the people of Dover......
Earlier this week Dover District Council closed without prior notice the public conveniences at Buckland Bridge,and Maison Dieu,Dover.The closures came about without prior notice and were not subject to any consultation.We understand that decision was taken due to the lack of progress in discussions with the Town Council over taking over responsibility for the future maintenance.
Leader of the Labour Group,Ben Bano,said;This is an appaling way to treat the people of Dover.We condemn this cynical move of Dover District Council which will cause considerable inconvenience for residents and visitors alike.This is a popular and historic part of the town and we can't let DDC withdraw these facilities without prior notice or consultation.Other toilets are likely to be closed without notice.
Labour will be doing everything possible to get the toilets reopened as soon as possible.
Cllr Gordon Cowan Chair of Scruity will call in the decision at the next meeting in a couple of weeks,and there will be, excuse the pun a'motion' at the full Council meeting deploring the closure,and to reinstate them.
Our main concern is that this decision did not come before any Cllr and from what we are being told by any officer,just the Portfolio holder,and in the case of an emergency decision we get notice of that decision,so far nothing.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
6 January 2010
20:3636595In just 24hours this post has got 114replies and 1.225 views this is the most over that time in the history of the dover forum. What does it tell us? it tells us how the public are feeling at this time,and that is the D,D,C have got it wrong yet again,but it can be put right,by opening up again the looes,and that is the one and only way.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
6 January 2010
20:3836596sorry to see you using this issue for electoral gain john.
can you honestly say that your party would have done differently?
6 January 2010
20:4636599Thisis a bog-standard local amenity issue. Just do it!!
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
6 January 2010
20:4836600You will notice Howard that I have taken an active interest in this,and I am a political rep,fighting a political idea from a politician,I reported the closure to my boss and the outcome is above.I am also a resident of Dover by the way no toilets have been closed in Deal.
I fight and have done throughout my life wether in a political party or not for injustice and to give those who cannot always get thier voice heard a way of doing it.I make no apologies for that,also the Toilets in the Town are in my ward,and at Buckland Bridge near my house.
It is clear that these toillets near the Town Council offices are being shut for a Political reason,if you don't want to take them on Dover Town Council we will show you and shut them because they are on your doorstep,we have had Paul and Barry giving thier views and Sue and they are political,I am a representative of the people,and the people are not happy.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
6 January 2010
21:0036603The provision of basic needs such as decent Public loos should never be political .I understand that budgets are of concern and cuts have to be made .There is on offer a way forward .Sandwich Town Council have taken on the responsibility of their loos as have St Margarets and of course here in River we have to pay for those in the River Recreation ground .I have stated often River people pay for the rec but it is used and enjoyed by many .Dover Town Council have over the years raised very high precepts .It would be interesting to see how much cash they have in their coffers and what the money is spent on
I for my part feel that all councillors should have been advised of the decision as John quite rightly says we usually get notice of delegated decisions .I think someone jumped too quickly here ,.
Dover Town Council could come out of this smelling of roses .There really is no need to drag it into a political slanging match .
I think John you will find all those councillors who have to pay out of their parish precepts for facilities which everyone enjoys will not support you .
Just lets get the dammed things open again ..We coukd even allow Nigel to wear a loo chain and reopen them .
