Angus Council has taken back control of public toilets at a popular seaside location after terminating the lease of a local businesswoman.
The Traill Pavilion in Montrose was built in 1913 following a £2,000 gift from the brothers John and David Traill.
Originally used as a shelter, the local authority has run it as a public convenience for those walking along Traill Drive, and families using the popular Seaside Splash park, which opened in 2012.
The council decided to lease the building following public comments about irregular opening hours.
This was taken on last year as a tearoom with public toilets by Jane Watson, who owns the Mums of Montrose tearoom.
Mrs Watson said she had opened up the toilets for 2,200 hours over 13 months, against 420 hours and a cost of £7,000 when run by the council.
However she gave the keys back on Friday and said it would be a “massive loss” to the town if the toilets were to run on a seasonal arrangement.
And the council is now looking for others to keep the toilets open.
Mrs Watson said the council told her about complaints made to them, and that it had been difficult to charge admission to cover cleaning costs.
“I did ask for the individual complaints to determine the amount and their content as this was one of the reasons for termination – they refused,” she said.
“I have since sent a letter asking.
“They were not interested in my visitor’s book with hundreds of positive comments that I suggested would counterbalance the complaints if indeed there are any.
“I have made a significant financial loss which of course, given my position, is not great.
“I shall put it down to experience, research and evidence which of course, you cannot put a price on.
“This will be a massive loss to Montrose.”
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We cannot comment on the circumstances of the lease for the pavilion at Trail Drive, Montrose, other than to confirm a change in circumstances with regards to the tenancy.
“We are looking to alternative service providers to maintain the toilet facilities for the remainder of this season and hope to have this in place as soon as possible.
“This will ensure they remain open up to the end of October and, thereafter, we will look at the most suitable options for the pavilion.”
