Residents are invited to talk to Frome Town Council about the future of the Market Yard toilets on 11th April at Frome’s Saturday market.
Councillors will be available to chat with residents from 10am to 12pm. Council staff will be at the market from 9am to 2pm.
The block has been closed since September, apart from an accessible Changing Places (CP) cubicle, which is maintained by the Cheese and Grain, with access to the venue’s toilet facilities following an agreement with the council.
Cllr Nick Dove said, “The block was facing permanent closure as Somerset Council looked at ways to cut costs. Frome Town Council stepped in, but the toilets often had to be closed due to their poor condition: they were blocked or faulty even with normal use, and parts were costly and hard to find, with the added problem of misuse and anti-social behaviour.
“The interim solution with the Cheese and Grain protected access to public toilets in town while we look at all the options for the longer term. We want to hear from residents to inform those options, which include refurbishment of the existing toilets; building an entirely new toilet facility in the town centre; a reimagined site that incorporates toilets along with other amenities, such as a visitor information centre; or expanding the You’re Welcome scheme so people can easily find their nearest loo when they’re in town.”
When the toilet block closed last year, residents shared their disappointment and frustration, with some saying the move was ‘short sighted’ and others raising concerns for those with medical conditions who may need to urgently use the facilities.
The council is also accepting comments online at the new My Frome platform at tinyurl.com/frome-toilets, in person at the Saturday market on 11th April, or by phone (01373 465757), email (info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk), or by dropping into the town hall on Christchurch Street West during office hours.
