The Somerset Council has acknowledged that it could cost up to £140,000 to refurbish seven public toilets in Taunton to a satisfactory standard. Situated on Paul Street, outside Taunton Library, these facilities have been a continual concern for the local authority and the police. Reports have surfaced over the past few years citing antisocial behavior and evidence of drug use within the lockable cubicles.
Local resident Ray Rose has urged the council to take action, proposing that the recently established Taunton Town Council should assume responsibility for managing the public conveniences. While Somerset Council confessed that it is in regular discussions with the town council regarding the issue, it confirmed that each of the seven cubicles would necessitate an expenditure of £20,000 to elevate them to an acceptable standard for public use.
During the latest full council meeting in Bridgwater on December 20, 2023, Mr. Rose voiced his concerns, stating, “There are seven blocks on Paul Street - five have been locked since April, if not before. The sign says ‘temporarily out of use’ - a member of the public has written ‘permanently’ on there. Why won’t you let Taunton Town Council issue the contract for the toilets? They are a mess, they stink, they haven’t been cleaned. All I get from your officers is a load of rubbish, and it’s got to be sorted now.”
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The Paul Street toilets, which are the nearest public toilets to the Orchard Shopping Centre, are meant to be accessible daily from 7 am to 7 pm. Those unable to use these facilities are forced to traverse Vivary Park or utilize the amenities on Canon Street or Castle Green, which operate on the same schedule.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, the portfolio holder for communities, housing, and culture, responded to the concerns: “We are aware of the persistent maintenance issues with the facilities at Paul Street toilets. We are keen to address them; however, significant costs of around £20,000 per cubicle are involved due to the required work, necessitating a review during our budget setting.”
She further added, “Officers from both Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council have deliberated on the cleaning contract with idverde, and we are engaged in ongoing discussions with town council leader Tom Deakin and the town clerk. We will continue these conversations and ensure idverde is held accountable for the contract.”