IT IS hoped the toilets at Enfield Park will be improved with a new water recycling system, Camelford town councillors heard recently.

At the January 15 meeting, Camelford Town Council discussed the potential installation of a new water recycling system for the Enfield Park toilets, in the aim to reduce the amount of clean water being flushed.

Cllr Andy Shaw reported that he had been looking into water recycling systems, with the most suitable type being a tank that is fitted onto a wall, rather than in the ground.

He explained that the tank would collect rainwater, which could be used for a variety of things such as flushing and gardening, adding: “I think it would drastically reduce our costs.”

The meeting heard that a tank could cost in the region of £1,200 to £1,500, with consideration of some minor alterations.

“We would fit it behind the existing toilet block,” Cllr Shaw continued. “It wouldn’t be tamperable. You’ve got your re-salvaged water and your mains water — when the re-salvaged water runs out, the mains water comes in. It’s an idea!”

The meeting heard that the alternative solution to this would be a ground-based system, which would ‘cost thousands’ and involve digging into the ground to install it.

Deputy mayor, Cllr Claire Hewlett, chairing the meeting in the absence of mayor Kirsty Ferguson, said: “Anything that cuts down on fresh water use is a good thing. We should not be flushing that down the loo.”

Agreeing, Cllr Shaw said: “It’s worth investigating.”

However, Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, Rob Rotchell, said more information needs to be sourced before committing themselves to the project further. He said: “What does this mean? What more needs to be done? It’s a matter of, can we do it?”

Cllr Hewlett suggested the distribution of related paperwork to councillors for the next meeting. “We need to decide which budget line this would need to be taken out of,” she added.

Councillors were in favour of the proposal, which would see the subject go to the council’s next agenda for decision.