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Public toilets could be saved from closure

BBC Stow-on-the-Wold town centre public toilets. They are based in a Cotswold stone building, and a bus stop can be seen to the left.BBC
The toilets in Stow-on-the-Wold town centre are at risk of closure

Public toilets in a Cotswolds town centre look set to be saved from closure.

A petition calling for the conveniences in Stow-on-the-Wold to be retained was signed by nearly 1,200 people and presented to Cotswold District Council on Wednesday.

The toilets are at risk due to the financial burden they pose to the town council, but there are fears shutting the High Street/Market Square facilities will turn tourists away.

The district council voted unanimously to consider the petition at its next meeting on 3 October.

Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council chairman Ben Eddolls told the district council meeting in Cirencester that closing the toilets would have a detrimental effect on the town.

Getty Images Aerial photo of Stow-on-the-Wold town centre. It shows the Market Square and numerous Cotswold stone buildings from above.Getty Images
Ben Eddolls said he feared people would boycott the town if there are no facilities for people

"We want the area to flourish and keep the steady stream of tourists who come not only to our town’s mediaeval square and attractions but the area as a whole," Mr Eddolls added.

"The lack of a coach park at Bourton-on-the-Water, better local bus services, smaller coach operators using the town as a staging point and the buoyant tourist numbers means it is imperative that we keep the toilet service in the town centre to accommodate these people.”

Deputy district council leader Mike Evemy said he would refer the petition to be considered by cabinet.

He will recommend retaining the town centre conveniences - which cater for disabled people – and closing the car park toilets instead.

"There is a budgetary challenge," Mr Evemy said.

"But we took a decision based on the recommendation to retain at least one facility in all of our localities."

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