Anyone can get caught out; needing to use the toilet. In Bedford town though, it’s bad news. Over the years, it has become more difficult to find an available loo. Obviously, some of this was out of the current Mayor’s control as shops with customer toilets closed, but the council could certainly help.
Some beautiful signposts claim to indicate the nearest facilities, but some are not open. Possibly the worst offender is a sign in town directing you to Borough Hall, and you arrive to find the door locked and a big sign saying appointments only. That is a long way to have walked for no relief. And why are the nice new toilets in the Harpur Centre not open after many, many months?
Baby changing facilities are rare. Many are in disabled toilets which are often locked. Parents do not generally have a key and it can be some time before someone arrives to unlock them; a nightmare when you have a fractious baby who desperately needs changing.
Many people tell me that they would like to go to town but can't because basic facilities are not there. This is not good enough for the residents and visitors to our town. Tom Wootton knows that Bedford deserves better.
