A TOILET block in Frome is closing – with an alternative agreed to allow shoppers to spend a penny.

With the facilities in Market Yard reacing ‘the end of their life’, Frome Town Council (FTC) has agreed to work with the Cheese and Grain to improve toilet provision in the town centre.

FTC will fund the Cheese and Grain to clean and maintain the accessible Changing Places cubicle – which will stay open – while providing public access to the venue’s toilets.

The council said the move would ensure public access to toilets, via the Cheese and Grain.

Installed in 2018, the Changing Places toilet will remain open and be maintained by the Cheese and Grain, while the remaining facilities will shut, with signs directing users to the venue.

Meanwhile, FTC will consider next steps for the long-term future of the Market Yard block.

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Cllr Steve Tanner said: “People expect to be able to access toilet facilities in the town centre and this arrangement with the Cheese and Grain will mean they will be available all day, every day.

“This is a proactive, practical solution for providing a facility where the existing toilets are no longer fit for purpose.

“It will maintain essential provision for residents and visitors, while creating space to work with the community on how best to use and invest in this important part of town.

“Rather than continuing to rely on substandard facilities that require increasing amounts of resource, we’re choosing a better-quality offer in the short term and a more strategic approach in the long term.”

People will be able to use the toilets at the Cheese and Grain. Picture: Google

A dedicated budget has also been set aside to support extra toilet facilities during larger events, such as The Frome Independent and The Children’s Festival.

Steve Macarthur, from the Cheese and Grain, said: “The Cheese and Grain has always been an integral part of Frome’s civic and cultural life, and we’re pleased to support this practical and sustainable solution to help meet the town’s needs and as stakeholders in this area, to being part of any future plans.”

The changes will come into effect on September 1.

People are also reminded of the You’re Welcome scheme in Frome, which provides access to toilets across the town in cafés, pubs and venues, with no obligation to make a purchase.

To find out more about You’re Welcome, visit frometowncouncil.gov.uk/our-community/youre-welcome.