Proposals to improve Alnwick's 'disgusting' public toilets

Local county councillor Gordon Castle raised the prospect after concerns were raised about the standard of the current town centre facilities.

Coun Castle said: “We have plans in mind to improve the toilets greatly near the Playhouse and in the Shambles (Northumberland Hall).”

The idea has been discussed at the Alnwick Forum but is at an early stage because consultation with key stakeholders has not yet been carried out.

He was responding to concerns raised by Coun Sue Allcroft at a meeting of Alnwick Town Council.

“The lavatories beneath the Northumberland Hall are looking disgusting,” she said. “The wall tiles are dirty and some are broken, the floor is dirty and the hand drier blows cold air.

“Before the tourist season starts I really think we should do something about them. Hand and knees scrubbing is needed.”

But Coun Sue Patience said: “I don’t think there is any point because the fabric of the toilets is rubbish. No matter how much cleaning you do, you are just pouring money down the toilet.”

Mayor Lynda Wearn said the Greenwell Lane facilities were even worse than those at the Shambles.

Coun Castle said: “All I can say is that there are plans afoot but I can’t say any more than that.”

He added: “We have considered the toilets beside the Playhouse and agreed that we have got to keep them given that the Playhouse is so much in use.”