Closure of public toilets 'shocking', says campaigner

Campaigners say the facilities are vital for travellers

The proposed closure of Yeovil's bus station toilets has been described as "shocking" after they emerged as the latest victim of Somerset Council cuts.

The toilets, as well as the station's indoor waiting room, will close on 31 March, unless the town's council steps in to run them.

Passenger campaign group the Somerset Bus Partnership said they are vital for vulnerable passengers to feel confident while travelling.

Yeovil Town Council has not yet decided if it will take over the running of them, but told BBC Radio Somerset they would likely need redeveloping if they did.

Linda Snelling says the toilets are vital for vulnerable bus passengers

Linda Snelling, from Somerset Bus Partnership, said the decision to close the toilets is "shocking".

"The toilets are vital," she told BBC Radio Somerset, adding she believes vulnerable people will be put off from travelling if they close.

"I don't know of many transport hubs which haven't got a toilet facility - it comes with the territory... the vulnerable use this area."

There are nearby pubs and cafes with toilet facilities, however Ms Snelling argued using those places could be intimidating for some people.

She added: "It's unfair to ask passengers to use private facilities."

Passenger Craig, along with his dog Derby, made the point people with medical conditions such as Chrohns or those that use stoma bags may need immediate access to a toilet after a journey on the bus.

The facilities have previously won awards

Since the introduction of budget cuts from Somerset Council, which operates the facilities, many services in Yeovil have been taken over by the town's local authority.

Graham Oates, the leader of Yeovil Town Council, told BBC Radio Somerset no decision has been made on whether the toilets at the station are among those being taken over.

"We're talking to Somerset Council about the toilets and a range of other services," he said.

"The toilets themselves are pretty awful... I think they would need a serious upgrade to make them fit for purpose - but that's something we'd have to consider.

"There is a lot of pressure but what we're looking at is what services do the people of Yeovil value or want to keep... now we're looking at smaller items but things that will matter to people."

Somerset Council says it can't afford to run the facilities

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "The financial emergency facing this and other councils across the country is well documented and will have very real impacts on local people.

"In order to set a balanced budget for 2024/25 and bridge a funding gap of £100m we have had to take some difficult decisions and make savings by reviewing non-statutory services that we greatly value but simply cannot afford.

"Some of the services initially put forward for savings were protected through devolution and partnership working with City, Town and Parish Councils. The toilets at Yeovil Bus Station have not yet been devolved and are set to close on 31 March."