Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
19
Jun 2020
Lack of Harrogate toilets could force shoppers to 'go behind a bush'
A Harrogate retailer has criticised the number of open public toilets in the town since shops reopened on Monday, saying shoppers could be forced "to go behind a bush".
Bob Kennedy, who owns G23 and Porters in Harrogate, said his stores have had several customers this week who have travelled from outside Harrogate and cannot find anywhere to go when they need the toilet.
Harrogate Borough Council reopened its Valley Gardens and Library Gardens toilets on June 13. However, the toilets at Victoria Shopping Centre, which are not owned by the council, are currently closed until further notice.
Currently, the nearest public toilet to the town centre is Library Gardens, which Mr Kennedy said is ‘not good enough’ as it’s too far away for shoppers.
Read more:
- Shops outside Harrogate town centre feel “left out”
WATCH: Shoppers feel like “we’ve been let out of prison”
With toilets in cafes and restaurants still unavailable, he suggested it could force people into some uncomfortable situations.
Mr Kennedy said:
Mr Kennedy, who was the chairman of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) until March when he resigned, also criticised Harrogate Borough Council and the BID for not providing alternatives to shoppers such as portaloos.
Harrogate BID declined to make a comment.
A spokesperson for the Victoria Shopping Centre told the Stray Ferret that its toilets will not reopen until they believe it is safe to do so.
They said:
0