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PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
FREE WASHING FACILITIES:
The Free Washing Facilities provided in the Public Conveniences
have now been in operation since November, 1949, and it is possible to draw
some conclusions.
It was found that in spite of the free washing there was still a
demand from the public for the paid "wash and brush up" with a linen towel.
This had been anticipated, and the paid wash had been retained in the three
busiest Conveniences (Walham Green, Effie Road, Putney Bridge) but, in
February the decision was made to reinstate the paid wash at all the
Conveniences, and at the same time increase the charge from 2d. to 3d. to
cover the increased cost of laundering the linen towels.
The public have shown their appreciation of the free wash service,
both by favourable comment, and the reasonably careful use they have made
of the facilities. In only one Convenience has any damage been done to
the fittings.
The demand has been fairly constant over the year, although some
Conveniences, situated in or near parks or football grounds, have shown
the seasonal variations expected.
One particular aspect which has been very pleasing is the way the
street traders of the North End Road Market, have taken advantage of the
facilities at Walham Green Convenience,
The cost of the scheme, in towels and soap, for the year was
£72 which, on the basis of 2.3 paper towels per person per wash, provided
33,650 washes. The original estimated annual cost of the scheme was £70.
I am vary pleased with the success and general working of the
scheme which, I consider, is a big step forward in giving both
encouragement and the opportunity to the public to promote their personal
hygiene.
I would like to record my appreciation to the Convenience
Attendants, who have supervised the use of the facilities, and to
Mr. Hughes and his staff who have bad additional work in handling the
required stores. Without the co-operation of all concerned the scheme
would not have been the success it has.