Would better public toilet facilities in Midsomer Norton High Street result in people spending more time in the town? Would this help support our High Street and the local businesses within it? When we posed this question via The Journal Facebook page, the resounding answer was YES. We reported recently that Midsomer Norton Town Council had been discussing the issue, with both the Hollies and Town Hall facilities having to be closed due to the pandemic.

In an online post this week, Midsomer Norton Community Trust said that the toilet at the Town Hall should be in operation from Monday, 21st June but stressed that this “cannot be the only solution to this issue.”

A spokesperson said: “As restrictions lift and the building has begun to

reopen, we hope to be able to open the public toilet during office hours when staff

return from 21st June. Even when the Town Hall has fully reopened, for the security of the building’s users, it will normally only be possible to open the toilet when office staff are present.

“These toilets at the Town Hall were offered to complement – not replace – more permanent options within the town. Unfortunately, those permanent options have all but disappeared.

“Therefore, the Town Council is looking to work with B&NES to explore

options for a proper, long-term solution to the issue as is provided to other towns in the area.”

The toilets at the Hollies’ Library & Information Service are currently available but may have to close at short notice should virus rules change.