A row has broken out over plans for public toilets in Whitehaven.
Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister and Cumberland Council have been working to secure premises but the town council voted against the scheme.
They would cost around £61,000 a year to run, if a member of staff was employed to open and close them, and public toilets are the most requested improvement for the town centre.
But Town councillor Raymond Gill told a meeting that members had not been given enough information about the plans to make a decision – a claim Mr MacAlister disputes.
Cllr Gill said he initially received an email from the MP and then the town council clerk entered into correspondence with Cumberland Council.
Mr MacAlister said two letters had been sent, setting out the background, context and financial details. In a letter to the town council, Mr MacAlister said Cllr Gill’s statement was inaccurate and misleading.
Cllr Gill said: “I am quite concerned about how the town council have been invited to partner with Cumberland Council in the provision of toilet facilities for Whitehaven.
“It would be irresponsible of this and any other council to commit itself to signing a lease without knowledge of what the lease contained.
“Furthermore, it would be irresponsible of the council dealing with public finance to commit itself to an expenditure of £61,000 per annum (over £1,000 per week) without detailed information and a full examination of the facts.”
But Mr MacAlister said there had been no request for the council to sign a lease or commit funds. He added: “The costs are within the council’s financial capacity, given its large reserve, annual precept of around £500,000 and other income averaging around £100,000 per year.”
He pointed out that many parish councils operate toilets on a voluntary basis or use existing staff so running costs could be lower.
The town council posted his statement on social media, and in it, he took a broadside at the MP, saying: “I take a dim view of council business being conducted via social media and the local press. This in my opinion is tantamount to bullying which is intolerable.
“It is my view that negotiations between councils should be held round a table and what we have actually been given is a fait accompli by social media.”
Mr MacAlister said these claims were unfounded. He added: “The intention has always been to work collaboratively and constructively.
“This initiative is straightforward. Cumberland Council has secured a centrally located building on King Street/Strand Street suitable for refurbishment as new public toilets.
“Cumberland Council is committed to finding the capital funding needed. It is seeking a town council partnership for ongoing management.”
However, Cllr Gill’s statement added: “We, as a council are in favour of providing public toilets and currently discussions are underway with other parties to make this happen. We intend for these to be more central to the town, but the ones proposed here are not in King Street but Strand Street and it is misleading to claim this.
“I, therefore recommend council to leave this on the table with a view to reconsidering it at a future date when more details about the proposals are know.
“In the meanwhile, we will proceed with discussions with a third party for the provision of public toilets in a central area of town.”
The proposal was seconded and voted on. Seven councillors voted for the proposal, 1 voted against and 1 abstained.
