Council’s plea for help from Scarborough businesses on public loos

​Despite the fast-approaching tourist season, North Yorkshire Council (NYC) has not been able to secure a public bathroom in Scarborough’s town centre and has asked businesses to reach to the authority. with offers.

​Earlier this month, Scarborough businesses were asked to make their toilets available to the public following concerns over a lack of facilities in the town centre.

​A Community Toilet Initiative (CTI) proposed by Scarborough Town Council would provide “modest financial support, signage, and inclusion in promotional materials” to cafes, pubs, and shops that voluntarily make their toilet facilities available for public use.

​NYC said it had not been able to convince any local businesses to work with it to provide a public bathroom.

​Cllr Rich Maw told a full meeting of NYC on Wednesday, March 18: “Scarborough has no public toilet provision in the town centre and residents and visitors will understandably be dismayed by this.

​“What immediate and longer-term steps is the council taking to restore adequate public convenience provision in the town centre for residents and visitors alike?

“I am aware of the West Pier temporary toilet provision, but I’d remind the executive committee that it is nowhere near the town centre.”

​Cllr Richard Foster, executive member for managing the environment, replied: “Since the closure of the Brunswick Centre, there hasn’t been any provision within the town centre.

​“There was the Railway Station, and there is the indoor market and that is a seven-minute walk away from the main retail space.

​“We do agree there’s a gap in the provision and officers have been working closely with businesses to get a community toilet in place, but have so far failed to negotiate one. So, maybe highlighting it today can bring forward a business that can help us with that.”

​Cllr Foster said: “We realise it’s an issue and we are working on it, and there are further things officers will bring forward for consideration. But that would be the easiest solution if we could get a local firm in place to help us with that.

​“If any members know anybody who might be willing to negotiate something with us, please come forward to council officers.”