The Kintyre Forum

The public toilets at Millknowe (opposite the County Garage) will close after the area committee voted three to five to shut them. This despite the fact that two local councillors (Cllrs Kelly and Colville) voted to keep the toilets in use. What are your feelings on the closure?

The report considered by members can be seen by clicking here and the following was taken from the Council Area Committee meeting on the Council's website at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/moderngov ... 3&MId=3500

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report detailing the best value appraisal of the closure of the Millknowe public toilets.

Members discussed the issues surrounding the proposed closure and questioned the purpose of the appraisal in terms of time and money spent. Further discussion ensued over various aspects of the closure.

Motion:

The recommendation that Members confirm closure of the Millknowe public toilet.

Moved by Councillor MacMillan, seconded by Councillor Semple.

Amendment:

To continue discussions with the adjoining agricultural business. If these talks fail, then to continue with the closure.

Moved by Councillor Colville, seconded by Councillor Kelly.

Decision

The Motion was carried by 5 votes to 3 and the Committee resolved accordingly.

I can't see the point in keeping them open. I assume that there is a cost associated with them and rarely see anyone using them. Campbeltown has at least two other public toilets which is more than Tarbert, Lochgilphead and (possibly - not sure on this one) Oban. Councils have to cut costs and I would rather see the Kilknowe loo's going than other vital ammenities. I just hope the building is demiolished rather than being left as a vandalised eye-sore.

Have to disagree with you there Hels.

When travelling by I always see someone either going in or coming out. Workmen use them Shoppers on their way to Davaar, Milknowe. Council workmen on their way passed whether it be drivers or the guys who keep our streets clean with their barrows etc. I wonder how you can decide they are never used, was there a survey done?

Bolgam street is not very convenient (excuse the pun) Where can you park to use these premises. I think Milknowe is ideal for travellers coming in or leaving town.

I would not like to see a local garage using this space as a place to display their wares. It would just be a dumping ground for tractors and other farm vehicles or cars waiting on MOT's. Now that would be an eyesore as a first impression to visitors.

Ideal opportunity to make the area into a garden with benches and picnic tables. Toilets close by and a heck of a lot better looking than a vehicle store. If that was allowed it would be a disgrace.

Kintyre Forum News wrote:The report considered by members can be seen by clicking here

All the costs are detailed in the above report.

3.3 The following annual running costs have been identified:
Cleaning I 1/2 man hours per day for 7 days a week including closing and
opening £4122
Cleaning materials and supplies £500 per annum
Utility services
Metered water per annum
Water charges £264.40
Waste Charges £317.50
Property drainage£37.50
Roads drainage £50.00
Total water charges £669.40

3.4 It should be considered that the facility is of basic provision with no hot water at
wash hand basins, and with original sanitary ware fittings, possible future upgrades and
ongoing maintenance may include.
Hot water provision £1500
Redecoration int. and ext. £1000
Flat roof replacement £2000
Full internal refurbishment future years £20,000
Paid turnstile entry future years £15,000

3.5 The value of the building and site has been estimated by the Council’s Estate dept.
to be £20,000 on an open market, with possible use as a retail kiosk, subject to
planning permission. Interest has been expressed in the past from an adjoining
agricultural engineering business for the building and land as a display area for
agricultural equipment.

Sorry History, let me clarify my post. What I said is

"I assume there is a cost associated with keeping them open and rarley see anyone using them"

So no, I did not decide they are never used. I merely made a statement regarding my observations as someone who lives in the Davaar/Milknowe area and walk past there frequently. Only an opinion.

Just adding to the debate Hels. No offence meant.

Still don't think they should close. Imagine you are a visitor and coming into the town looking for a public toilet. Bolgam Street is not the easiest to find or get parked. Where is the other one apart from Bolgam Street by the way

History wrote:Just adding to the debate Hels. No offence meant.

Still don't think they should close. Imagine you are a visitor and coming into the town looking for a public toilet. Bolgam Street is not the easiest to find or get parked. Where is the other one apart from Bolgam Street by the way

Got to agree with you.... Another crazy decision, I think the vote was 3 to 2 to close them and they are one of the busiest across from the garage, any time I pass in the car there is someone parked and no doubt using them...

I'm sure the garage has no toilet, if so surely they must be used constantly through the day with people at the petrol station !

(I may be wrong)

Maybe if the 5 that voted (I never took any notice of who they were) cut back on expenses necessities like this for the town would be able to remain open..... Just a thought !

maxmix

History, the other toilets are beside the putting green and ferry terminal.

Thanks Katya, just wasn't sure if there was another one nearer the Milknowe side of the town when they feel the need to close this one. Makes it even more ridiculous to close Milknowe if the other 2 are so far away from the entrance to the town.

If they have to close it I really don't agree with a garage using it to display machinery. Should hope there would be a chance for the public to debate. Maybe the Community Council could ask why it should be closed?

Wasn't there some sort of report a while back condemning first impression that visitors get when entering the town from the West Road especially the Milknowe area?

katya wrote:History, the other toilets are beside the putting green and ferry terminal.

The toilets at the putting green were so useful over the last few years for the passengers coming of the ferries lol

I reckon they should go.... or are they to handy for the dog walkers

maxmix

It's a shame any have to go.....

Yes they are very handy for dog walkers but also for the numerous families who visit Jock's Boat