The public toilets in Chard closed as part of a cost-cutting initiative by Somerset Council

Chard public toilets re-open – with refurbishment planned

Paul JonesAugust 12, 20250 Comment0

PUBLIC toilets in Chard – which closed as part of a county-wide cost-cutting drive – have now re-opened.

After 18 months of negotiations and challenges following Somerset Council announcing the closure of dozens of toilet facilities, including those in the Sainsbury’s car park, Chard.

Initially, councillors proposed a 12-month cleaning contract for the Chard facilities, which ended in March 2025, for them to stay open while the authority looked to take them over.

However, discussions over a lease for the toilets stalled, with the site staying closed. But now, issues have been resolved and the toilets are once again open to the public.

Chard Town Councillor, Jenny Kenton, said: “This has taken much longer than was acceptable to local residents. I am disappointed at the delays, but I am grateful to the officers for their hard work. I’m pleased to see the toilets open and available for public use again.”

Cllr Jenny Kenton at the re-opened ladies toilets in Chard

The town council is now taking on responsibility of daily operations of the public loos, with plans now in progress to refurbish the toilet block, including a Changing Places, accessible facility.

Cllr Jason Baker worked on the Changing Places bid during his stint of the now-abolished South Somerset District Council, and said: “This was a project I began under the Chard Regeneration and High Street works. I had worked with officers to develop detailed plans and costings. It is vital that our town is as inclusive as possible.”

Changing Places toilets are specially designed for people with severe disabilities and provide facilities for those who require additional space and equipment.

“The former South Somerset District Council applied for a government grant for Changing Places facilities, and while Yeovil was prioritised due to rising costs, the grant has now been allocated,” Cllr Baker added.

“The decision was disappointing at the time, but I am pleased that the town council has now agreed to fund the project.”

Work will now continue on plans to refurbish the block.