Residents have shared their disappointment over the impending closure of the Market Yard toilets, which will come into effect on 1st September.
Earlier this month, Frome Town Council’s Operations and Assets Committee made the decision to close the toilet block, saying the facilities had ‘come to the end of their service life.’
Instead, members of the public will now be able to use the toilets inside the Cheese and Grain.
The Changing Places’ accessible cubicle, located within the Market Yard block, will remain open and will be maintained by the Cheese and Grain.
However, residents have shared their disappointment about the decision, with some saying the move is ‘short sighted’ and others raising concerns from those with medical conditions who may need to urgently use the facilities.
“[These toilets are] constantly used, just needing an upgrade. Public toilets are an asset and generally used appropriately,” said one resident.
Another resident said, “If someone needs to go, they need access immediately not when the “changing place” becomes free from another user or after a walk across the car park to another site also with potential queues. The alternative arrangements you are proposing are not sufficient.”
Frome Town Council took on the Market Yard toilets from Somerset Council last year to save them from closure, as the authority sought to cut costs during its financial emergency. The council says the closure will now allow it to ‘work with the community on how best to use and invest in this important part of the town.’
However, one resident has questioned why Frome Town Council took over the toilets in the first place. They said, “I thought the whole point of taking them over from Somerset Council was to keep them open, as Somerset is suffering a financial crisis and was going to close them. If not keeping them open, why take them over? The block will still be a liability when it is empty.”
Defending the council’s decision, Cllr Steve Tanner said, “People expect to be able to access toilet facilities in the town centre and this arrangement with the Cheese and Grain will mean they will be available all day, every day. This is a proactive, practical solution for providing a facility where the existing toilets are no longer fit for purpose. It will maintain essential provision for residents and visitors, while creating space to work with the community on how best to use and invest in this important part of town.
“Rather than continuing to rely on substandard facilities that require increasing amounts of resource, we’re choosing a better-quality offer in the short term and a more strategic approach in the long term.”
Whilst the committee voted in favour of the decision, not all councillors supported it. Cllr Polly Lamb said she was ‘frustrated’ with the closure and that it was “a big deal for the town to lose them.” She said, “It’s just a public right to be going to the toilet and I don’t think we are looking after that by doing this.”
Extra facilities are due to be provided during Independent Market Sundays and also when there are other large events in town.
Pictured: Market Yard toilets
