The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Loos closed but people still spend a penny
Anger as people urinate behind block of public toilets closed in July
Public toilets in Brechin which were closed almost a year ago have never stopped being used, according to a community councillor.
The toilets at Dalls Lane were closed in July in a cost cutting measure by Angus Council.
However, the City of Brechin Community Council convener Jill Scott has claimed that people still use the toilet block – they just go behind the building to urinate.
The issue has emerged again after Angus Council gave approval for the toilets to be sold on the open market after being deemed surplus to requirements.
The availability of the property has been circulated to all the council’s directorates with no interest shown.
Ms Scott said: “These toilets were very well used – they still are as many people urinate behind the block.
“The issue has been raised many times at the community council.
“Since Montrose Road was straightened to assist access to the port, a vast amount of lorries and vans use this route. There is never a day that there is not a vehicle stopped to use the toilet.
“I don’t blame anyone for going round the back of the toilet as there is no other toilets on the route to the port.
“They are also situated in between Newington Gardens sheltered housing and the local shops so many elderly people pass the toilets as well.
“I am aware that there is no statutory obligation on local authorities to provide public toilets, however I and many others believe there is a moral obligation to provide these services for all members of the community.
“I would have liked to have seen a plan to save the toilets. Let’s face it – the price the building would fetch on the open market isn’t going to plug the financial black hole.”
At the meeting Brechin and Edzell councillor Bob Myles said there was a possibility that a community group may take over their operation. He sought an assurance from strategic director Alan McKeown that, even at this stage, it may still be possible for a group to take ownership of the building.
He said: “I understand we have to go through this process, but could I ask the director for assurance that the community still have the opportunity to use these buildings if they wish, in the spirit of community empowerment.
“I have already had an approach from one community group who may wish to take on these and retain them as a public convenience.”
Strategic director Alan McKeown replied: “I am more than happy to give that assurance.”