Greenyards Public Toilets open for business
Friday, April 4 2008
There is good news for visitors to Melrose. Work on The Greenyards public toilets was completed on 31 March. This facility had been closed to the public for a number of years, but is back in action due to public demand.
Tourism is vital to the economy of the Scottish Borders and Melrose attracts more than its fair share, with Melrose Abbey being the third biggest tourist attraction in the Borders – attracting nearly 47,000 visitors in 2006. Facilities to cope with the demands of tourists and locals help to make life more comfortable for everyone and encourage return visits. Locals and visitors to the town, and Gibson Park in particular, use the toilets – not forgetting the crowds at Melrose Rugby club on match days.
The toilets will be open to the public from the beginning of April until the Autumn. The facility will then be used by the rugby club on match days in the winter, with the agreement that the rugby club take on all cleaning and stock management on match days. Another example of partnership with local businesses is the agreement that Adam Purves’ garage will take on responsibility for locking the toilets in the evening.
Council Leader David Parker said: “It is vital to the economy of the Scottish Borders that we encourage tourism and visitors to our key towns, attractions and events such as the Melrose 7s. Providing clean and efficient toilet facilities is a fundamental part of this, so I’m pleased we have been able to bring the existing toilets up to a good standard.”
Councillor Len Wyse, Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “This is a perfect example of local organisations working in partnership with the Council to make our towns more attractive to visitors”
Improvements to the facility include changing the water system from using stored water to being on mains water, ensuring a constant supply.
Vandal-proof lighting has also been provided inside and outside, the building has been re-decorated and access from the main road has been provided.
Unified Solutions.