Bathroom drama at new Farmers
Some Waimakariri residents are unhappy that the new Farmers building in High Street opened without public toilets.
In a letter to the editor, J C van Meer said she was ‘‘upset and disappointed’’ that on her first visit to the new Farmers, she would have to go to the toilet elsewhere.
‘‘If the Warehouse and Ballantynes can provide such facilities, why can’t a brand new building, which should be a joy to shop in, do the same?’’
She was told by a Farmers employee that there were no toilets available for the public.
Farmers Rangiora store manager Paul Cromarty said the old Farmers building did not have toilets either and that people should refer to the council for public toilets.
People asking for bathrooms, such as elderly or children, would be considered on a case by case basis, Cromarty said.
‘‘If someone’s absolutely desperate ... we do offer to take them to our own staff toilets.’’
He said Farmers had received feedback about the bathroom situation, but could not comment on whether the department store would consider installing toilets in future.
In another letter to the editor, Mac Jamieson said it was time the lack of public toilets on High Street was ‘‘sorted out’’ and that the ageing population made public toilets a necessity.
‘‘One day, the ones not affected now will realise it’s a problem,’’ Jamieson said.
The closest public toilets to Farmers were Victoria Park on Percival St and New World on Ashley St.
‘‘ If someone's absolutely desperate ... we do offer to take them to our own staff toilets’’