FROME town councillors will be on hand to chat about the future of Market Yard toilet block between 10am and 12pm on April 11 at Frome’s Saturday market.

Members of council staff will also be at the market from 9am to 2pm to gather thoughts and opinions about toilet provision in the town.

The Market Yard block has been closed since September, apart from an accessible Changing Places (CP) cubicle.

The town council negotiated with the Cheese and Grain cafe to clean and maintain the CP facility and allow access to the venue’s toilet facilities, alongside the longstanding ‘You’re Welcome’ scheme. Under the scheme people can access toilets and refill water bottles in some cafes, pubs and shops with no obligation to spend money.

Cllr Nick Dove explained: “The block was facing permanent closure as Somerset Council looked at ways to cut costs.

"FTC stepped in, but the toilets often had to be closed due to their general poor condition: they were blocked or faulty even with normal use, and parts were costly and hard to find, with the added problem of misuse and anti-social behaviour.

“The interim solution with the Cheese and Grain protected access to public toilets in town, while we look at all the options for the longer term.”

The town council now wants to hear from residents to inform those options, which include refurbishment of the existing toilets or building an entirely new toilet facility in the town centre. A further proposal is a reimagined site that incorporates toilets along with other amenities, such as a visitor information centre.

Feedback can be made online at the new My Frome platform at myfrome.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/en-GB/folders/toilets-in-the-town-centre, or in person at the Saturday market on April 11. Residents can also phone 01373 465757 or email [email protected]