Swaffham Town Council vote in favour of trialling paying 20p to use public toilets amid vandalism

A town council has voted in favour to trial making public toilets paid for – despite concerns raised about how disabled people would manage.

Out of 11 councillors, eight voted in favour of trialling it at the two public toilets in Swaffham so that members of the public would pay 20p per use.

The town clerk stated that the person who was cleaning the toilets handed their notice in because they were “that disgusting” due to vandalism.

It would involve the instalment of a combined coin pay and contactless entry so they would have to be paid for after 4pm.

Cllr Caroline Ellerbeck argued that making the toilets paid for would be discriminatory against disabled people who may not be able to access toilets in cafes and pubs in Swaffham.

Cllr Ellerbeck said: “It’s a bit of discrimination against us.

“We can’t use toilets like everyone else. There are no other disabled toilets in this town with a radar key. That is why it was invented.”

Swaffham’s mayor Stewart Bell said: “We can’t keep having vandalism.”

However, Cllr Sarah Pickard said: “Maybe we should ask businesses to change their amendments.”

Cllr John Zielinski agreed with Cllr Ellerbeck, and said: “I have a great deal of sympathy. She’s got to pay but I can go in the White Hart for free. That to me is discrimination.”

Cllr Graham Edwards said: “I don’t think 20p is going to stop vandals, if they want to get in they’ll pay 20p.”

Three town councillors abstained from the vote.