Fixing town’s public toilets could cost £140k

IT could cost £140,000 to bring seven of Taunton’s public toilets back up to a decent standard, Somerset Council has admitted.

The public toilets on Paul Street, outside Taunton Library, have been an ongoing issue for the local authority and the police, with numerous reports over the last few years of antisocial behaviour and drug paraphernalia being left inside the lockable cubicles.

Taunton resident Ray Rose has demanded that the council take action, arguing that the recently created Taunton Town Council should take over the running of the public conveniences. Somerset Council said it was in “regular dialogue” with the town council over the issue but admitted it would cost £20,000 to bring each of the seven cubicles up to a better standard for the public.

Mr Rose made his feelings on the matter known at the most recent full council meeting, which was held in Bridgwater on December 20.

He said: “There are seven blocks on Paul Street – five have been locked since April, if not before.

“The sign says ‘temporarily out of use’ – a member of the public has written there.

“Why won’t you let Taunton Town Council issue the contract for the toilets? They are a mess – they stink, they haven’t been cleaned.

“All I get from your officers is a load of rubbish, and it’s got to be sorted now.”

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, housing and culture, responded: “We are aware with ongoing maintenance issues with the facilities at Paul Street toilets – they are known to the council.” ‘permanently’ on