Public Toilets Relocation

It is recognised that for many residents, particularly older people and those with restricted mobility, the provision of well-designed and maintained public toilets are essential.

As part of the March Future High Streets Fund work, the existing toilet block was demolished and a new, fit-for-purpose toilet facility will be provided at the western end of Grays Lane.

Temporary toilets were installed at the rear of the former Barclays Bank in December 2023 when the existing toilet block was closed ahead of its demolition. The temporary toilets closed on 5 May 2025, clearing the site ready for the construction compound required to build the new permanent toilets.

Work on the permanent toilets began on 2 June 2025, and are expected to be complete in the autumn 2025.

The new toilets will feature enhanced disabled and family changing facilities and a CCTV system installed on the outside of the building for improved security. The design of the new block also pays tribute to architectural features of the previous structure, including a pitched gable wall, a distinctive roof turret and reclaimed roof tiles. There will also be stone arched lintels above two doorways inscribed with the words 'Ladies' and 'Gentleman'.

Petition

An E-petition opposing the demolition of the existing toilets was submitted to the Council last year and was live for six months, from 16 August 2022 until 5 January 2023. At the time of closing it had received 197 signatures. A minimum of 500 signatures is needed for a petition to be debated at Full Council.