Barnstaple bus station toilets could reopen at Easter

Anti social hotstop was closed during pandemic

Toilets at Barnstaple bus station which were shut after they became an anti-social hotspot could reopen by Easter.

Passengers complained after the loos were closed by North Devon Council during the pandemic because of rising anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Council leader Ian Roome (Lib Dem, Barnstaple with Pilton) told members of its strategy and resources committee that they would be presented with options next month, including a cafe, and he hoped the toilets would be open for Easter.

He said the layout of the building was such that the toilets were not very visible and so became a prime target for misuse. Plans would include a newly positioned toilet inside the building which was visible from the refreshment facility.

There are long-term plans by Barnstaple Town Council to redevelop the bus station into a community hub complete with a tourist information centre, cafe and maybe a health facility.

Cllr Roome said the project is subject to funding bids being successful and is “some way off.”

He said the district council had some funding to get the toilets reopened quicker that would not affect the larger project which is expected to cost in around £500,000.

Cllr Pru Maskell  (Con, Braunton Rural) said it is important that people, especially the elderly, have access to toilets at the bus station where they may have to wait for long periods, and is pleased that people would be able to buy refreshments.

During the pandemic the cafe and waiting room also closed and there was criticism that it puts people off coming to the town.

Conservative MP for North Devon Selaine Saxby has campaigned to reopen the building after complaints from constituents.

And Barnstaple town clerk Rob Ward said: “The bus station is a busy place, and although we have other public toilets in the town, by the time they visit them and come back, the bus has been and gone.

“A lot of older people travel on the buses and not having toilets here means it affects their confidence."