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Scarborough Community Toilet Plan

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 18:30

By Anttoni James Numminen, Local Democracy Reporter

A Community toilet initiative is being discussed by Scarborough Town Council on Thursday as concerns rise about the low number of public conveniences.

​Following the closure of Scarborough’s Square One, formerly known as the Brunswick Centre, residents have said they are increasingly frustrated by a lack of access to public toilets in the town centre.

​A partnership scheme, which proposes local businesses making their bathroom facilities available for use by the general public, has been proposed by Scarborough Town Council.

​Councillors say said that cafés, pubs, and retail premises could voluntarily make their toilet facilities available for public use during opening hours, in return for “modest financial support, signage, and inclusion in promotional materials”.

​A report prepared for Thursday's full meeting of the council states that “such schemes are widely used by town and parish councils to improve access to toilet provision, particularly where there is limited direct control over public conveniences”.

​However, some residents have suggested that the town council should take over control of public toilets, and that North Yorkshire Council should consider allowing residents to use the bathrooms in the town hall.

​If the initiative gets the green light at the meeting then the town clerk will be tasked with exploring the feasibility, costs, and legal implications of establishing the scheme.

​The town council would also engage with North Yorkshire Council for the necessary permissions or coordination and assess potential budget implications and funding options.

​It would also gauge interest from local businesses and identify possible pilot locations.

​If councillors give their support to the community toilet initiative at Thursday’s meeting, the town clerk will draft a report with a detailed proposal, including draft terms and conditions, risk considerations, and financial modelling.

​Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting at Scarborough Town Hall on Thursday, February 26, at 2pm.

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