Weston-super-Mare toilets used by prostitutes and drug dealers to close

The loos will be demolished as part of a major town centre regeneration programme

A public toilet infamously used for prostitution and drug dealing is to be knocked down – to make way for a major town centre redevelopment.

The conveniences at Locking Road car park, managed by Weston Town Council, will close to make way for new housing and major redevelopment of the town centre.

The loos are a well known haunt for drug dealers and prostitutes and over the years have fallen victim to vandal attacks, costing thousands of pounds in repairs.

Weston Town Council took over the management of the loos several years ago after North Somerset Council cut its funding of public conveniences to save cash.

North Somerset Council – which is leading the town centre redevelopment – has given notice to the town council that it is terminating its lease on the loos.

The toilets are expected to close next summer.

Weston Town Council clerk Malcolm Nicholson said: “There have been ongoing issues with the toilets at Locking Road car park being used for prostitution and drug dealing.

“However the town council wanted to keep them open due to the fact they are used by coach passengers arriving in the town.

“We have now been advised by North Somerset Council that it wants to terminate its lease for the conveniences.

“It is planned for them to close in July next year however this may be brought forward to April.”

The town council manages five other public toilets in the town at Grove Park, Ashcombe Park, Clarence Park, Uphill Links Road and one in Worle High Street.

It is also looking at the possibility of providing a replacement town centre toilet at the newly created bus hub at Alexandra Parade being planned as part of the redevelopment.

Other public loos in the town have also encountered problems.

The toilets at Grove Park are also used by drug users and had to be closed temporarily last year after hypodermic needles were found to be blocking up the drains.

The block, which is fitted with underfloor heating, has also been used by people to sleep in overnight.

The regeneration of the town centre includes building up to 400 new homes and shops and offices on Sunnyside Road and Locking Road car park.

The plans form part of proposals to enchance the entrance to the town centre around the railway station.

The scheme is being developed in partnership with Homes England which has already bought several key sites in the location.

The developments are part of the Weston Town Centre Regeneration Programme that is delivering improvements to key development sites and positively encouraging investment within the town.

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