Hamworthy East and West and Poole Town Area Committee
21st September 2011
Hamworthy Park Toilets Update
1.Background
This information was given to the Area Committee on 20 July 2011 regarding the toilets in Hamworthy Park:
The event on 2nd July 2011 unfortunately was affected by the toilets not coping with high levels of usage. This was worsened because the paddling pool was refilling. We would not normally fill the pool at such a time but due to broken glass found in the pool on the preceding day it had to be drained down and cleaned. It was set to refill due to the expected demand but this takes up to three days and will reduce water pressure in the park.
Obviously everyone wants to avoid a repeat of this -
- The paddling will only be drained/refilled as an emergency response and it is not possible to guarantee no recurrence (vandalism was the cause)
- A better water feed would help significantly but the cost is likely to be extremely high. A new review of the usage of water on the park and an indication of the costs of improving the infrastructure is being sought, however, any recommended change would still require a business case and a bid for funding against other projects
- Without events and emergencies the toilets do generally cope following the improvements made in 2009. The size of the toilet block is a factor in the problems at special events, and this would not be overcome just by tackling the incoming mains water problems in isolation.
- Unless another solution is found it will need to be a requirement for future events that more additional toilet facilities are provided. The Council has no funding for this or for deploying additional cleaners over and above those used for normal usage.
- Further options for funding improvements will always be sought but cannot be guaranteed.
2.Update
Since that time a report was commissioned from a building management consultancy on the usage of water in the park and an indication of the costs of improving the infrastructure. Although the final report has not been received and agreed at the time of this report being written, an indication of the results has been received and it is likely to conclude that there are three steps that can be taken in an attempt to incrementally improve the flow of water into the toilet block and improve refill times:
- Increase the size of pipework in the toilets to a greater size than that installed in 2009 and change each toilet to mains fed supply
- Increase the size of pipework leading into the toilets from the chamber outside.
- Install a separate main which entails a long length of underground pipework and a road crossing.
When we have the full details and estimates of cost we will make a decision on what work can be carried out, but the first two options are likely to be affordable within current year budgets so are likely to be carried out before the end of March 2012. The third option would include a very long new supply, road crossing, meter position and connection to the mains in Lulworth Avenue. A review of the future requirements of the park in full will be carried out and if the expenditure can be justified in a business case a capital bid would be prepared.
Once the final consultants report has been received it’s conclusions will be shared with residents and members along with our proposed actions.
The toilet has been monitored throughout the summer and is generally in a good condition and state of cleanliness when visited. It has benefited from an additional clean during the day that was organised.
Any works outlined will not resolve any issues around large numbers of people trying to use the facilities at the same time that occurs during special events and additional facilities will still have to be arranged by event organisers.
Clive Smith
Head of leisure Services
Shaun Robson
Head of Environment & Consumer Protection Services
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