The SNP budget will allocate £220,000 to pay for new public toilets in Portobello.
Over the last few years, the popularity of Portobello as Edinburgh’s premier seaside resort has grown with more and more visitors each year.
While there are benefits, such as a thriving café culture and vibrant art scene, many locals have complained about rising levels of antisocial behaviour. Shocked residents have reported an increase in public urination, with some sending photos to their local representatives demanding action.
Last summer the council put temporary toilets in place after a campaign for more facilities was championed by local MP, Tommy Sheppard, alongside SNP councillor Kate Campbell. The temporary loos were welcomed by the community as an improvement. However, some criticised the siting of them in Straiton Place Park as this occupied green space.
There was also local frustration as the temporary toilets were installed by the council in late August and were not connected up with an energy supply immediately. The toilets were out of use a number of times, so there is a widespread recognition that a better solution is needed.
The SNP council budget proposes funding for new, state-of-the-art, accessible cubicles. The funds will also pay for external showers which beach users have been requesting for many years.
Cllr Kate Campbell, SNP Councillor representing Portobello-Craigmillar said: “With so many visitors flocking to our beautiful beach the council needs to make sure there are the facilities for them. It’s not fair for local people to have to deal with the consequences. The SNP budget proposes to pay for brand new, accessible toilets and external showers making our beach better for residents and visitors alike.”
Tommy Sheppard MP said: “I’m delighted to see SNP councillors prioritise additional toilet provision for Portobello Prom in their budget. I worked hard to secure temporary loos last summer to avoid the awful scenes witnessed in previous years, but let’s not pretend they were ideal. What we need is more accessible, permanent public toilets. I hope Labour, the Lib Dems, and the Tories back this sensible proposal.”
