Call for more public toilets in Hucknall

Nottinghamshire County councillor John Wilmott said at a meeting of the council that tourists and elderly residents were most affected by the lack of public conveniences.

He called for Hucknall’s library to allow the public to use the loos there after the toilets on Hucknall Market Place were closed last year as part of cuts by Ashfield District Council.

Instead, residents and visitors to the town are asked to use the loos in pubs and cafes.

Coun Wilmott said: “A public toilet is very much needed in Hucknall, which is a town bathed in nostalgia, tourism potential and fighting back after a series of economic body blows over a 30-year period.”

Hucknall Regeneration Group and Hucknall Central Tenants and Residents Association are backing the calls by Coun Wilmott and the Hucknall First Community Forum, which he is a member of.

Speaking at the meeting, Coun Wilmott added: “If need be, we will launch a petition in Hucknall.

“I’m sure it will be signed by many who feel this is a necessity.”

Peter Gaw, group manager for libraries at the county council, said the authority ‘will always help those customers who require use of toilet facilities where they are accessible, especially those with disabilities and the elderly’.

“District councils are historically providers of public toilets so is not the responsibility of the county council,” he added.

Ashfield District councillor Nicole Ndiweni, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Engagement, said that the public toilets in Hucknall were closed last year after public consultation.

“Alternative toilet provision is available at the Pilgrim Oak and H20 bar – both these businesses have agreed to allow members of the public to use their facilities,” she said.