Page 55 - ALG Issue 2 2018 html

Discussions with WooWoo Toilets Limited were very helpful, but it would require in the order of £8,000 for the provision, supply and erection of a Kazuba KL1 Standard Cabin which best suited our needs. Several possible funding routes were identified
but these were generally limited to small amounts and were not necessarily related to allotment needs.
Further research indicated that The Big Lottery Fund, under its banner of ‘supporting what matters to people and communities’, offered awards of up to £10,000. Our needs seemed to tick all the boxes with regard to eligibility and a submission was put together reflecting the community benefits that an environmentally friendly toilet would bring. We explained that the provision of such a toilet system would overcome our sanitary problems, allow more people to grow organic vegetables, and enjoy a healthy outdoor pursuit.
At the same time WooWoo advised that planning permission might be required as this varied depending on the stance of the local planning authority. Consultation with Newark and Sherwood District Council determined that permission was required and our submission to them was helped and backed by the Parish Council. A positive response was received from the Big Lottery Fund within a few weeks and a formal contract was signed. The money, including the planning fee, was paid into our bank account shortly after.
Installation work began in August last year and was completed with the KL1 ready for use within 2 days. The cabin, able to cope with up to 30 uses a day, came with a large capacity toilet roll holder and an alcohol hand-gel dispenser. It was necessary to elevate the toilet slightly above ground level
as there had been localised flooding in our preferred centralised location. In addition, the installation was required to face due south
to maximise the benefits of solar radiation and to be clear of overhanging vegetation. Some minor works for a pathway and a low-level retaining wall to the toilet area are outstanding, but we aim to complete these in the spring.
With air flow through the toilet bowl and out through the chimney extractor, working together with the sun’s heat, waste products are dehydrated and retained in a basket system below ground level thus eliminating odours. In practice we have found there
are no smells emanating from the bowl
and maintenance is minimal. Two baskets are provided with the system, enabling the one in use to be eventually pulled back to undergo further desiccation before some
unfortunate has to finally remove it for disposal. As instigator of the project I have the nasty feeling that the poor unfortunate might be me.
On a more serious note the Society
is indebted to the Lottery Funders with whose help and support we are indeed transforming our community. In addition we are moving forward with confidence now when it comes to arranging open days. This year is our tenth anniversary and we intend to organise several open events throughout the year in the knowledge that we will not be embarrassed by the lack of proper toilet facilities.
Robin Ross (Treasurer), on behalf of Elston Parish Allotments Society
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