Public toilets in Sandown will be free to use – on a trial basis – throughout 2026, following a decision made by Sandown Town Council.
The move follows a successful trial during the 2025 Carnival and Regatta events, which saw fewer issues reported, according to Mayor Alex Lightfoot.
The decision was taken at the town’s Full Council meeting on Monday 18th November.
Toilet opening hours have been proposed as 07:00 to 21:00 during the summer months, and 07:00 to 19:00 in winter, as part of the 2026-27 budget planning.
The Council also approved the recruitment of a part-time fundraiser to work 22 hours per week, with a remit to secure grant funding for both Council-led initiatives and wider community group projects. The cost, capped at £26,780, will be covered using an underspend from the current staffing budget.
In addition, over £30,000 of funding was agreed to support the development of the proposed International School of Rewilding in Sandown – a project already receiving backing from the Wildheart Trust. This funding will be drawn equally from the Town Improvement budget and the Bay Place Plan budget, which is supported by four local authorities.
A proposal by Councillor Gary Young to install a flagpole at the Broadway Centre was put to a vote but was not carried.
Ah, you have forgotten to mention the hidden cameras outside that will be fitted to catch the vandals, oops, that’s a give away eh? But then, they probably can’t read!
and they will be vandalised within a week, as the trial during events with high numbers of people around is stupid …vandals don’t usually vandalise in the presence of others – keep the charge in place
I will not pay to piss and shit..bloody country.
Don’t worry, the way we are all being controlled, you won’t be allowed to have one before 10 or the other before 11 the way things are going
Out compton free to use and stay in pretty good condition but then again the scum and druggies sandown has…..
I’d rather piss and shit myself, less chance of catching something
Just your excuse for “pissing and shitting” yourself.
About time, Sandown Town Council have been taking
the p*ss.
50p to use public conveniences is a crime.
We pay Council tax for such services