Over time all three Eltham North Councillors have been asking for updates on the slow pace of work at the toilets in Eltham Park South (behind the café). On these non-political issues we invariably try to work together and following a recent enquiry from Councillor Linda Bird, the Council has informed us that they too are disappointed with the pace of the work.
Your Councillors have been informed that there was a delay at the beginning of this project, as the contractor the Friends of Eltham Park South identified to do the work, were not set up on the Council’s payment system. Before starting the work, the contractor requested part payment to cover material costs before they could start the work. Unfortunately this request for the cost of materials to be covered delayed the project by a number of weeks, as the Council’s Procurement Team had to carry out their necessary checks before part payment for the materials could be made.
In addition, further delay occurred as advice was needed from the Council’s Building Control before the works could begin.
During October, the contractor finished the men’s toilet which is now available for use.
Work has been slower on the new disabled toilet, where a door has been specially made and when delivered, the contractor will then be able to start work knocking through a new opening into the building for the new disabled toilet facilities. This work is expected to take approximately 7 to 10 days.
Once the disabled toilet is completed, work will start on the ladies toilet and this is expected to take a further 7 to 10 days.
Council Officers have tried to ensure that throughout the works there has been (and will continue to be) at least one set of toilets available to ensure park visitors access to toilet facilities in the park. The Council’s Parks Team have also been visiting the works regularly to ensure that the work will be completed reasonably soon.