Shanklin Town Council are celebrating a double national success, for the second year running, for the standard and quality of its public toilets.
The platinum awards are voted on by an independent and recognised body in the toilet industry and highlight maintenance and cleaning standards, accessibility, availability of baby changing and other amenities, as well as the overall appearance.
Former High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Robin Courage MBE, recently presented the awards for both Falcon Cross and Tower Cottage Gardens toilets to Councillor Jon Gilbey, who managed the initiative.
Cllr Gilbey said:
“The Town Council, supported by the local community, made a long term commitment to invest in our public toilets once the IW Council decided to close them, and this investment has benefited over 60,000 visitors and residents in the last 12 months”.
Mr Courage added:
“High quality public amenities are vital to attract tourists to the Island, as well as promote the unique attraction that Towns and Villages on the Island has – Shanklin has shown that perceived liabilities can be turned into award winning assets”.
The awards follow Shanklin’s successful campaign to see the removal of business rates (£11,000 in the current financial year) being charged by the Local Authority, as well as national successes in South East England in Bloom, Seaside Awards and Green Flag Accreditation.
Cllr Gilbey concluded:
“The Town’s investment has already achieved significant savings and generated income which can be re-invested for the benefit of residents and visitors alike, and we are looking to extend this initiative within the Town”.
