Hundreds sign petition to keep town’s loos open
MORE than 390 people have signed a petition calling for public toilets in Loughborough town centre to stay open, with campaigners saying it would be a “disaster” to close the facility.
The move by Charnwood Borough Council to close the amenity was opposed by councillor Mary Draycott, who said the lavatories are important for attracting shoppers to come into town.
She said previously: “Even with less footfall in the town centre at present understandably during the pandemic, such facilities are very important and a possible consideration by shoppers whether to come into Loughborough town centre or not.
“With fewer eateries open now for inside services other options are reduced.
“Hopefully soon things are going to improve so there is no justification for full closure. My experience is that once something is closed it is gone for ever.”
She set up the petition with fellow Labour councillor Julie Bradshaw with the item to be presented at the council’s budget meeting, on February 22.
Cllr Bradshaw said: “There are so many good reasons for keeping these toilets open which residents have written to us about.
“Currently, there are nowhere near enough toilets for visitors and shoppers in Loughborough. “With future regeneration, focusing on bringing more visitors to the town centre, closing the Biggin Street toilets would be a disaster.
“Permanent closure of them would not encourage the inclusivity in society for those with mental or physical impairment who heavily rely on public facilities when deciding to come to town.”
Works are soon to start on the £2.6 million Bedford Square Gateway Project, a project to improve the town centre’s street scene and create more space for events and markets.
A spokesperson for Charnwood Borough Council said previously: “We know public toilets are important to visitors to any town and in Loughborough we have award-winning facilities in Market Place which are 250 metres from the Biggin Street toilets. The council is considering consolidating public toilet provision in Market Place which would save £20,000 a year.
“This is part of a package of measures being considered in the budget as the council needs to save around £1.5 million in the next financial year. The budget will be considered by Cabinet in February and then a final decision will be taken by full council later that month.”
Biggin Street toilets are currently closed due to staff shortages.
There are so many reasons for keeping these toilets open which residents have written to us about.
Councillor Julie Bradshaw