Five new public toilets have opened in New Brighton after a two year campaign to replace ones destroyed in a storm.
The Vale Park toilets in New Brighton were destroyed in November 2021 following a storm, depriving the seaside town of a major public facility and in April 2023, Wirral Council awarded Healthmatic a contract to replace them for £14,279.30 with four new unisex toilets and a disabled toilet.
Announcing the news, councillor Richie Pitt, who also works at the Coffee Roast at Vale House, said: "The day has arrived. The new toilets are ready and available. They will be open from 9-5 everyday but later in the summer months. A big thank you to the Friends of Vale Park, Cllr Sue Powell-Wilde, New Brighton coastal communities team, and the public who have made this happen."
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The length of time it took for the new toilets to arrive had been criticised by a local community group, the New Brighton Coastal Community, but chair Sean Martin said he was grateful to everyone who had campaigned and signed petitions on the issue, thanking New Brighton councillor Sue Powell-Wilde "for finally getting it over the line."
He added: "We have had messages in previous years of people saying they wouldn't be coming back and it's exactly what the park needed, it's exactly what New Brighton needed and it will enhance what we already have."
New Brighton councillors Sue Powell-Wilde and Tony Jones said: "We're absolutely thrilled to see the public toilet facilities back in Vale Park. The new bespoke block, a much-needed replacement after the severe weather damage to the old building, ensures equitable access for our visitors and locals to enjoy the outdoors for exercise and socialising.
"We wish to thank to our community groups, and the public for their understanding, and a huge thank you to the Coffee Roast in Vale House for their incredible support during this build."
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