Residents are being encouraged to share their views on the future of the Market Yard toilets.
Since September last year, the public toilet block has been closed, with the Changing Places facility kept open for those who need it. Public toilets are provided at the Cheese and Grain.
The decision was made following Frome Town Council stepping in to prevent permanent closure of the facilities by Somerset Council.
Frome Town councillor Nick Dove said, “We made the decision last July to temporarily close the toilets as they were becoming expensive and difficult to maintain.
“We have asked Somerset Council to provide us with a long lease for the Market Yard block, which would allow us to make changes to the building and now we need to hear from you.”
The options being considered are refurbishment of the existing toilets; building a new purpose-built toilet facility; creating a reimagined site that incorporates new toilets along with other amenities such as a visitor information centre, or kiosk; and continuing and expanding on partnerships like the ones with the Cheese and Grain and other venues in the You’re Welcome scheme, which allows people to use toilets in cafes, pubs and shops with no obligation to spend any money.
Residents can have their say on the new My Frome website, with the option to do a quick two-minute activity, a five-minute survey or a longer survey where you can go into as much detail as you like.
Changing Places
At a recent full Frome Town Council meeting, Frome resident and senior coordinator of Fair Frome, Lenka Grimes, said there had been misuse and antisocial behaviour in the Changing Places toilet.
However, Frome Town Council has said it is considering installing keypad access to the facility to help prevent misuse. The facility is currently accessed by using a radar key, which anyone can purchase.
A council spokesperson said, “Installing a keypad for access has been successful in some places at reducing misuse and vandalism. This would involve users needing to call a phone number to receive the access code, which would change regularly. Nearby venues such as Discover Frome in the library could also provide the code, but outside of venue opening times it would require having and using a phone to access the facilities.”
Let Frome Town Council know what you think with the quick and anonymous survey online at tinyurl.com/frome-toilets, or by calling 01373 465 757 or popping into Frome Town Hall.
Visit tinyurl.com/frome-toilets to take part in the consultation. There will also be opportunities to share your views face-to-face in April.
