Shropshire Star

Ellesmere public toilets reopen

Public toilets which shut after becoming a magnet for vandalism have reopened next to a Shropshire beauty spot.

Published

The toilets, in Cremorne Gardens, by the Mere in Ellesmere, closed 18 months ago, but about £5,000 has now been spent on sprucing them up.

The work was organised by the Friends of the Mere group, which said children were forced to use nearby bushes while the toilets were closed.

The toilets, which are owned by Shropshire Council, were closed after vandals smashed down the doors and deliberately blocked the loos.

Funds, which were obtained from Entrust and the Ellesmere Area Local Joint Committee, have been spent on new doors and windows, and painting the wood work on the outside of the building.

David Farncombe, member of the volunteer group, said: "It has been an on-going problem and we hope the work we have carried out will deter vandals.

"The toilets are sited right by the popular children's playground. In desperation children were forced to use the surrounding shrubbery causing a public hygiene issue, as well as making the area unpleasant.

"Alternative facilities are more than 500 metres away – too far for a 'desperate' child.

"Shropshire Council cutbacks have delayed repairs being carried out, and so, Friends of the Mere decided to step in.

"The local volunteers began by obtaining grants to employ builders to carry out repairs and to make the building more resilient to further wanton attack.

"Then members undertook plumbing work themselves, in conjunction with Ellesmere Anglers Association.

"All this effort resulted in the toilets being re-opened in time for Easter.

"The many visitors to the Mere Park, both local and from the wider area, especially the children who enjoy the playground, now have good cause to be grateful to Friends of the Mere."

Mr Farncombe added: "As well as the obvious benefits of having the toilets back in use, this work will also help in the application to obtain Green Flag status for the Mere Park.

"This national award is similar to the Blue Flag scheme for beaches.

"Both awards are only granted to areas that are open to the public and that have reached certain high standards of cleanliness, good management and care for the environment.

"Now it is hoped that a Green Flag will soon be flying over the Mere."

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