Sandown Town Council has clarified its position following the recent decision by Isle of Wight Council to defer consideration of the disposal of the Pier Street Toilets site to the Town Council.
The Town Council has historically supported the seasonal and event-based opening of the Pier Street toilets and has funded minor repairs to enable this, pending wider regeneration of the site.
During this period, however, there has been limited substantive investment in the building’s long-term maintenance. As a result, the condition of the property has continued to decline.
Given this ongoing deterioration and the absence of meaningful progress toward redevelopment, the Town Council has reviewed its position. It now considers that continued involvement in operating the facility in its current state presents an unacceptable reputational and financial risk. Accordingly, the Town Council will no longer fund or support the seasonal opening or maintenance of the toilets.
Mayor Alex Lightfoot said:
“We find it incredibly disappointing that the decision has been pulled at the last minute due to another party coming forwards. We have been down this road before, Pier Street has undergone two marketing exercises spanning years, with zero progress to show for it.
“I would like to reiterate that this site is of key importance to Sandown, and any alternative development brought forward must be for the benefit of Sandown residents and include suitable public toilet provision and strict timelines.
“Given how the Isle of Wight Council has chosen to deal with this matter, we will be dealing with it competitively going forwards, but look forward to the matter coming back to committee.
Article continues below this advertisement “I hope that the Isle of Wight council will see the value in treating the Town Council as a trusted local government partner, and not be driven by a potential capital receipt to fill a budget black hole. This site was purchased back in the 1890’s by Sandown residents and was transferred to the Isle of Wight Council in 1994, it is time it was returned to Sandown.”
The Town Council has previously indicated its willingness either to operate the existing facility or to provide replacement public conveniences as part of a broader development proposal. In light of recent developments, that offer is withdrawn. The Town Council will not provide or operate public toilets on the site unless and until it has full ownership and control of the asset.
A pair of previous marketing exercises undertaken by Isle of Wight Council have not resulted in a successful development partner.
The Town Council believes that prioritising achievable and timely solutions is essential to securing a positive outcome for Sandown and its residents.
To avoid further delay – particularly in light of the pre-election period – the Town Council has requested that the matter be brought forward to the next appropriate committee meeting for determination. Further postponement risks another season in which this key site remains unaddressed.
Bloody pathetic holiday destination without toilets..Sandown already a dump as it is.
The island is a joke, the council plead poverty
yet they ALLOW vehicles to use this land as a
FREE CAR PARK inside a pedestrianised zone
Lol
Who is running the show Billy or Silly!!
This is currently being used as a FREE CAR PARK inside a pedestrianised zone
HEALTH AND SAFETY anyone!
Oh no it’s the Isle of Wight they don’t do Health and safety
IT’S A PEDESTRIANISED ZONE
F.F.S
Khan wouldn’t let vehicles drive and park in a
PEDESTRIANISED ZONE
Got to find the money from somewhere for their pay rises haven’t they. Why not the public and while we’re at it sod the visitors to the Island.
Such a rundown eyesore now.
Why do we pay so much council tax andbl precept then
Because of their extortionate pensions