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Babergh District Council is flushed with success after receiving two 4-star awards in the ‘National Loo of the Year’ awards. The Awards, which are run independently by the British Toilet Association, and whose supporters include the national tourism body Visit Britain, were won by Flatford Visitors Centre toilets in East Bergholt and the new facility at Magdalen Road in Hadleigh.
During the inspection period, an unannounced visit was made by an authorized Awards Inspector who assessed the facilities against a wide range of judging criteria including signage, décor, cleanliness, security and equipment before a grading is allocated. Nearly 900 entries were received this year into the competition, which has been running since 1987.
Eminent Environmental, who manage the toilets on behalf of Babergh District Council won an Attendant of the Year award for the cleaners at both facilities. Eminent’s Business Development Manager Alan Rothwell said “We are a national company that offers exceptional service standards with the aim of achieving the same desired goal”.
The inspectors were particularly impressed with the Magdalen Road toilets, stating they were an ‘Excellent new facility with quality fittings and immaculately clean’. The facilities have been designed to be safe and secure, and to discourage potential vandalism and anti-social uses. Environmental features include energy and water efficiency measures such as the ‘waterless’ urinal and lights operated by movement detectors. Another innovation is the inclusion of a ‘Family Room’ where parents can properly supervise children, and which is also accessible to the disabled.
Glyniss Wilshaw, who has been cleaning the Magdalen Road toilets for over a year said “I like the new facility and find it much easier to clean. I don’t tend to come into much contact with the users so I’m thrilled about this recognition of the facility and my work.”
Miriam Harrup, Communications and Community Manager for Ipswich and Norwich Co-op, commented: "Having worked closely with Babergh officials to provide the new toilet facilities for Hadleigh, we are delighted that the hard work and significant financial investment by the Society has been recognized”. The toilet block was designed by Wincer Kievenaar Partnership of Hadleigh and built by Cadman of Colchester in conjunction with the Co-Op’s new store development.
Malcolm Firth, Babergh’s Head of Environmental Services, said “Although the facilities are still in the initial hand-over phase and the architects and builders are making a small number of operational adjustments, I am pleased to see that these new toilets have been recognised on a national level”.
The awards are valid until December 31st 2005. |