Decision details

Incidents of drug taking and alleged dealing from the public toilets at Tuly Street (Cattle Market) have increased in recent months.  Council staff are now clearing drug taking paraphernalia from the toilets on a daily basis.  Officers have reported numerous issues including one officer having to resuscitate one person who had suffered an overdose.  As a result, a decision was taken to close the facility prior to Christmas in order to prevent further health and safety issues.  The closure was intended to last until 10^th January.

To temporarily close the toilets until 7^th February 2023 in order to prevent further criminal activity at this location

That decision was reviewed and the conclusion was:-

1. There were now no issues in relation to the facility
2. No complaints about the closure had been received from businesses or the public,
3. No issues had been raised by the police or partners and
4. There were no reported incidents of the issue transferring elsewhere. 

However, it was noted the cold weather emergency accommodation provision had been activated for part of the period of closure which meant that there were less people rough sleeping in Barnstaple.  In case this has had an impact on the results of the review, a decision has been taken to extend the closure for a further period of one month until the 7^th February and for a further review to be undertaken at that point.

The facility could be re-opened but there would be a strong likelihood of the previous issue presenting again.  The closure could be permanent but that is likely to raise concerns.

None.