An email campaign by community councillors in Kelso has resulted in temporary toilets being set up in the town centre this summer. Councillors were concerned visitors were going to have to cross their legs to Shedden Park before being able to spend a penny. For the central Woodmarket loos have closed for demolition this summer, to be replaced later in what will become a business hub.
But last Monday at a FutureKelso and Sports Kelso meeting attendees learned there would be no replacement loos and that tourists were expected to trek to Shedden Park conveniences, or might be able to use facilities in the Abbey Row Centre.
Councillor Harry Tomczyk emailed colleagues saying: “We cannot be... The only town of our size in the Borders and probably Scotland which does not have adequate toilet facilities and Shedden Park could not be described as adequate as they are too small and too remote.”
Talk of a pub lending its loos met with resistance because of concerns over disabled access and baby changing facilities.
The local pressure has led to Scottish Borders Council organising temporary loos, likely to be in the car park near The Cobbles because it is close to the town centre. Community councillor Colin McGrath said: “I’m pleased. Visitors do need to have public facilities.”