New Loo No Loo

 

Adnoddau Henllan Resource – AHR, was formed in September 2005 for the purpose of retaining and reopening the former Public Conveniences situated at Top Park Recreation Ground, Henllan for community purposes.

 

The facility was built in the 1970s following sustained efforts by the then Henllan Neighbourhood Council. The building cost was considerable, its design innovatively incorporating disabled access.

 

In 1997, Denbighshire County Council decided to close the facility as part of its cost initiatives, and the building was declared redundant. It remained unused, suffering deterioration and vandalism until 2004 when the Henllan Community Council made overtures to Denbighshire CC to reopen the facility, but the County Council was adamant it was not council policy to reopen lesser-used conveniences.

 

Henllan Football Club become interested about this time in using the building as a changing and toilet facility, but negotiations became stalled and the idea was abandoned.

 

In early 2005, the Community Council became aware that it was Denbighshire’s intention to demolish the building, which was suffering ongoing vandalism. It was decided to approach the County Council to see if an alternative to demolition could be found. A site meeting in April was held, to investigate the various options available. Subsequent debate resulted in Henllan Community Council deciding that the overall costs of operation were too great for the community council to bear, as additional funding would require an increase in the Community element of the Council Tax.

 

At this point, then Community Councillor Mr R Jenkins proposed the setting up of a community association, specifically to deal with the issue of the toilet block, and to enter into negotiations with Denbighshire County Council, to achieve this. The result was the formation of AHR to facilitate this, to protect the building, refurbish it and reopen it for community use.

 

The building was completely refurbished in 2008 by Messer’s E Salusbury & Son (Henllan) from monies obtained through the Councillors Capital Fund Allowance of Denbighshire County Council, by the then ward County Councillor Colin L Hughes.

 

It is intended that the facility will be available for use by community organisations using the Recreation Ground, or neighbouring activities, although it will not be an ‘open’ public convenience. Participating organisations will pay a charge for its use and it will be locked when not in use.

 

Legal issues have prevented the implementation of the proposals to date, with the result that negotiations are still ongoing.

 

The Management Committee comprises:

Chair: Rev. Canon J P P Williams

Treasurer: Ms F Dupays

Committee Members:

Mrs A M Lawson JP, Mr F Lawson, Mr E Salusbury, Mrs B Jones, Ms Eryl Davis

 

This is a community project and anyone interested in contributing to the operating fund or who is willing to take part in the ongoing operation should in the first instance contact a member of the management committee.