Durham County Council have asked leisure centre staff to use discretion by offering a lifeline to residents caught short during the pandemic.
The decision follows intervention from Lib Dem councillors.
A 78 year-old Newton Aycliffe resident with “waterworks” problems needed the toilet whilst out shopping. He popped in to the council’s leisure facility in Newton Aycliffe town centre only to be refused permission to use a toilet.
Great Aycliffe Town Councillor Michael Stead explains, “When this resident contacted me I was shocked at this loo-dicrous decision. Years ago the local public toilets were closed and people were pointed to the leisure centre.
“To refuse someone elderly, with a health condition, permission to use the loo in an emergency was simply unacceptable”
Durham County Council has put in place strict rules to protect people from Covid at its leisure centres.
This includes requiring an appointment to enter the building and setting a maximum number of people allowed at any one time.
However, the policy did not have any discretion for those emergency situations when an elderly or vulnerable resident might need the loo.
Michael contacted his Lib Dem colleagues, and after intervention by one of the Council’s Lib Dem shadow portfolio holders, the policy has been reviewed for the whole County.
A senior council officer commented, “I can confirm that leisure centre managers will use their discretion in limited emergency situations….”.
“All covid-safety rules such as test and trace will still apply. Our leisure centres are only able to stay open thanks to their rigorous approach to safety so I must stress this is not a change in policy to allow general public access to the toilets.”
Lib Dem town councillor Michael, supporting the change to a more sensible approach says, “I don’t think anyone can under-estimate just how uncomfortable it can be for anyone who suddenly gets caught short.
“Most of us can get to the other end of the high street to find an alternative. However, someone who is elderly, disabled or pregnant, would struggle. I’m pleased the council has listened to us and applied some common sense.”
The elderly resident who was turned away was helped by a local shop manager on the high street who, following Covid rules, allowed the resident to use their toilet.
Cllr Stead adds, “Sometimes it does feel a bit like the world has gone mad. All credit to the hero who helped out my resident, using common sense and compassion.”
