Toilet users angry at closure
Nature lovers in Magherafelt are peed off after council chiefs closed a toilet block in a popular local park.
By Connla Young
The move means local people at Polepatrick Park and Cemetery are being forced to dive behind ditches if they want to spend a penny.
Packed most weekends with young families, the park and cemetery cover a nine acre on the outskirts of the town.
It is believed the toilets were closed after a series of vandal attacks.
One angry parent who contacted the County Derry Post blasted the decision to keep the toilets closed.
“It’s a bit of a disgrace really that the toilets aren’t kept open,” said the parent.
“I bring my young children to the park on a regular basis and the toilets are always closed. This means if the children have to go to the loo you have to find a quiet place in the park.
“It’s just not right that in this day and age people should be forced to do that. Never mind the health implications of people going to the toilet in public places, people are entitled to some privacy. Surely something can be done to sort this out.”
Magherafelt councillor Jim Campbell said the possibility of opening the toilet block should be re-examined.
“Vandalism could be a problem there but it is worth looking at the possibility of getting the toilets open, particularly coming into the summer, “said the SDLP man.
“The park is a great facility for the town and more people could use it.”
In keeping with its policy of not speaking to the press, Magherafelt District Council refused to comment on the toilet block controversy.
