Filey Town Council has voiced its "deep disappointment and frustration" following the sudden closure of the Royal Parade public toilets, a move triggered by serious structural concerns.
The facility, a key amenity for the seafront, was fenced off after structural engineers determined that the building's condition had deteriorated significantly in recent months.
The Town Council, which described the closure as a "shock to us all," moved to reassure residents that its recent silence on the matter was not a sign of inaction. In a formal statement, the council emphasised that Filey and its community remain at the heart of its work, though it acknowledged it lacks the authority to change the outcome.
“Unfortunately, Filey Town Council does not have the authority or influence to overturn the decision made by North Yorkshire Council to close the facility,” the statement clarified, adding that the power to do so “rests solely with them”.
North Yorkshire Council has attributed the rapid decline of the building to a combination of structural defects, age, weathering, and an exceptionally wet winter. Gary Fielding, the corporate director of resources at North Yorkshire Council, stated that while the decision was "unfortunate," the authority was left with "no alternative" as public safety must remain "paramount".
The impact of the closure has been felt immediately by local businesses. An adjacent café was also forced to shut its doors for safety reasons. Seeking to understand the human cost of the closure, Councillor Sam Cross has visited the site to speak directly with affected tenants.
The situation has highlighted long-standing issues with the site’s maintenance. North Yorkshire Council noted that they inherited the building from the former borough council following "years of underinvestment". Work had already begun on redevelopment plans before the recent weather-induced acceleration of the structural damage.
Looking ahead, North Yorkshire Council has committed to the following measures to support the town’s tourism season:
- Prioritising the installation of temporary toilets in Royal Parade.
- Aiming to have these temporary facilities operational by the end of March, in time for the spring and summer visitors.
- Continuing to progress longer-term proposals to refurbish the site, which may include new permanent toilets and retail units to improve the area’s aesthetic appeal.
While temporary arrangements are being made so visitors can continue to enjoy "everything that Filey has to offer," the Town Council is actively seeking further clarity. They have pledged to share updates with the community as soon as more information regarding the future of the Royal Parade site becomes available.
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