‘There should be a new public toilet block built in Strabane’

THE LACK of public conveniences in Strabane has been brought into sharp focus after reports that a disabled woman was left in a state of distress because she couldn’t access a suitable toilet.

The woman, who preferred not to be named, called for ‘fit for purpose’ facilities in the town centre. She spoke to Ivan Barr of Melmount Community Forums to bring the issue to light.

“For a town of Strabane’s size, it is absolutely ridiculous not to have accessible public toilets for those who need them,” Mr Barr said. “I know there is a local scheme in place but a lot of the buildings in Strabane are quite old and finding a disabled toilet can be difficult. It has been said in the past that places such as the Alley Theatre can be used. However, if you’re out and about on a day the Alley is closed that’s no good. There should be a new public toilet block built in the town; if council get away removing the current block and not replacing it, what else will they get away with?”

Currently, the public toilet block in Strabane, situated at Butcher’s Street Car Park, is closed and has been for many years. It awaits demolition as part of the long-awaited Public Realm Scheme but there are no plans to rebuild conveniences anywhere else in the town. A Community Toilet Scheme is in place, which allows people to use toilets situated in some local businesses.

Independent councillor, Paul Gallagher has pointed out that, while the scheme exists, not a lot of people actually know about it and has this week called on council to make it more visible so that the public can avail of the service when required.

When contacted about the matter, a spokesperson said, “The public toilets at Strabane town are to remain closed pending demolition as part of the Town Centre Public Realm Scheme. However, council and a number of local businesses across the Council area have developed a Community Toilet Scheme that allows members of the public to use their toilet facilities for free during normal opening hours without having to make a purchase. The initiative aims to ensure that clean, safe and easily accessible toilets are available to the public at no cost.

“Businesses in the Community Toilet Scheme are identifiable by a window sticker, provided by council, indicating that they are participating in the scheme and the level of facilities available. Alternative provision is available at the Alley Theatre, Strabane Library, Riversdale Leisure Centre, Melvin Sports Complex, and the council offices on the Derry Road.”