THERE are no plans to reopen 14 public toilets which were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has been revealed.

But Galashiels and District SNP councillor Fay Sinclair is urging the council to reconsider.

Ms Sinclair learned of the situation from the portfolio holder for estate management and planning, Simon Mountford, who in response to her question on the matter admitted there were “no plans” to reopen the facilities in 10 communities.

She said: “The administration has admitted that 14 toilets across the Scottish Borders have been permanently closed, without any debate or decision by the council and, crucially, without any public consultation.

“It was amazing to see Galashiels so busy again for this year’s Braw Lads’ Gathering, but I witnessed families queueing up outside the toilets at Bank Street Gardens only to discover the facilities closed.

“It cannot be right that COVID has been used as a cover for the permanent closure of vital public services in Galashiels and nine other locations across the Borders, with the public denied any say.

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“I am urging the administration to ensure that a paper comes before the council as soon as possible looking at how we can ensure our public toilets are actually open to the public.”

Scottish Borders Council closed all public toilets at the start of the pandemic.

In August 2020, 16 facilities were reopened, with a further 11 reopened in August 2021.

Facilities at Burnmouth; Eyemouth Harbour; Jedburgh Lothian Park; Croft Park and Shedden Park, in Kelso; Bank Street Gardens and the High Street Car Park, in Galashiels; Greenyards, in Melrose; Scotts Place, in Selkirk; Stow; Howegate and Volunteer Park, in Hawick; and School Brae and Eastgate Car Park, in Peebles remain closed and will not reopen.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “SBC has 41 public toilets distributed across 29 settlements and communities. Fourteen of these remain closed following the pandemic.

“All disabled toilets are open. There are no current plans to reopen these 14 facilities however officers are keeping this under review.”