Worksop: No plans to re-open town centre toilets, as loos saga rumbles on

Market traders in Worksop say they are worried to leave their stalls to go to the toilet in case their stock is taken - as the loos saga rumbles on.
Toilets on Gateford Road were closed in 2013Toilets on Gateford Road were closed in 2013
Toilets on Gateford Road were closed in 2013

The toilets at Victoria Square Car Park, just off Gateford Road, were closed two years ago in October 2013 amid reports of sexual activity, drug taking and binge drinking.

And in July, the toilets at the Priory Shopping Centre were closed, amid speculation it had become a “sex hotspot” for gay men.

Currently, the only public toilets open in the town centre are at 73 Bridge Street, owned by Bassetlaw District Council.

David Aunins, Priory manager, said: “The situation at The Priory Centre remains unchanged and the toilets currently stay closed.

“The safety of our customers remains of paramount importance and we have been liaising with the council to ensure we do not have a repeat of the anti-social behaviour.”

However, market traders have said they now fear leaving their stalls to go to the Bridge Street toilets as they are too far away and could lead to stock being stolen.

Dennis Wood, who has been on the market since 1987, said: “It is at least a five to 10 minute walk up there and how long does it take to nick something?

Gill Fieldhouse, who has worked on the market for 15 years. said: “It is good walk up there if you get stuck at the traffic lights. You cannot expect shops to let you use theirs all the time. I would like to see the Priory ones reopen.”

Bassetlaw District councillor Julie Leigh, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said “The council does not currently plan to re-open the toilets on Gateford Road but will continue to look at potential options as part of the wider discussion of how we can improve our town centres.”

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