The Ridings reverses decision to reduce public toilet opening hours following backlash
The Ridings have announced that their decision to reduce their public toilet opening hours has been reversed.
Last week, the centre annouced that it was going to take the “drastic step” of reducing its public toilet opening hours, due to rising operating costs that exceeded £300,000 per year.
The toilets, which are located on the lower mall opposite Morrisons, were going to only be open for three hours each day, between 11am and 2pm.
In response, shoppers called the decision “absolutely ridiculous”, with one customer stating: “People need toilet facilities, it's not a luxury.”
Now, it has been announced that this decision has been scrapped, and that the public toilets will remain open from 7am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
A spokesperson for The Ridings Centre said: “We took on board the feedback from both our tenants and customers and understand how important these facilities are to everyone visiting and working within the centre.
“While the costs of maintaining these facilities remain significant, we are committed to supporting our businesses and providing the best possible experience for our visitors, so on this occasion, we decided to “bite the bullet” to ensure this essential service is available as expected.”
Following the announcement, Coun Michael Graham called the reversal “great news”, stating: “It just goes to show what can be achieved when concerns are raised and listened to.
"Thank you to everyone who spoke up - your voices matter.”