Ripon city councillors have voted unanimously to put portable toilets next to the paddling pool on Borrage Green Lane this summer.
The large pool, in its neatly-kept park setting just off Harrogate Road, is a popular venue on warm days.
But the Harrogate Borough Council-controlled pool and adjacent playground hasn’t had toilets for many years, which can deter people staying for long.
The safety sign at Ripon paddling pool.
City council leader Andrew Williams told Ripon City Council this week:
“I contacted the borough council and am pleased to report that they have agreed to us installing portable toilets for the duration of the summer holidays.
“Of necessity, many families will be staying in Ripon this summer because of the impact of covid and we want to ensure that they can get the most out of the public facilities that we have around the city.”
The search is now on for a suitable supplier, who can install the facility in time for the school summer holidays and keep it clean and safe.
Payment for the temporary toilets will come from Ripon City Council’s strategic investment fund.
Councillor Pauline McHardy, said:
“We need to do all that we can to help people with young children.
“It has been a very difficult time for them and many are priced out of being able to go on holiday this year.”
Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, raised concern about insurance, as liability will rest with the city council.
Cllr Parkin said:
“I’m fully in support of providing facilities for families, but remember that the last time we considered providing portable toilets here, the insurance cost alone was astronomical.”
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It was agreed that the toilets will be temporarily added to the council’s insurance policy.
Councillor Stuart Martin added:
“I think we should have no problem in finding a local supplier who can provide what we need.”
Harrogate parents pleased as playgrounds set to reopen
Playgrounds are set to reopen from 4 July delighting many parents and guardians in the district.
The sunny weather has brought many people out into the parks to enjoy the outdoors and from next month the playgrounds will also be open for children to enjoy.
One parent told The Stray Ferret:
“Its really hard to keep telling them that everything is closed so it’ll be nice to have a bit of normality back”.
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But not all were in agreement, some parents are still worried about how these places can be kept clean:
“I’m a little nervous just because of all the touching and the kids in close quarters, I don’t know if they’re going to be cleaning it regularly.”
Harrogate parents were pleased with the announcement that playgrounds could reopen but still hoped safety measures would be put in place.
The announcement is a welcome relief for parents and guardians who have had children waiting to be allowed to use their local parks.
Harrogate Borough Council has said it’s looking at plans to open the facilities and more information will be released soon.