May Pen to get new sanitary facility

MAY PEN, Clarendon:

THE CLARENDON Parish Council has been forced to put plans in place to build a new public-sanitary facility in the capital, as fast-food establishments are not allowing persons to use their facilities.

A sanitary facility is located in the May Pen Market but is inadequate.

The decision was made after the councillor for the Palmer's Cross division, Nerpartrick Smith, expressed concerns that the absence of proper facilities could pose a major health problem for the parish.

He said residents are denied using private facilities, unless they are purchasing items.

Scean Barnswell, minority leader for the Clarendon Parish Council, said that for some time, a piece of land beside the First Global Bank on Main Street was identified for this purpose, noting that the problem has been plaguing the parish for too long and nothing has been done to acquire the land.

Mayor Milton Brown said a popular fast-food establishment had promised to build a modern sanitary facility in the parish.

"I think now would be an opportune time to undertake this project to help with the development of the parish capital. In fact, a design for the building was already given," the mayor noted.

However, Brown said the land identified by Barnswell was not the council's property and arrangements would have to be made to acquire it.

Barnswell noted that such acquisition would not be a major problem, as the land has been idle for a number of years, and the council could lease this area with the intention of purchasing it.