THERE’S no chance public loos will re-open at night to stop people urinating in the street, it was claimed this week.

A group wants to tackle the issue following complaints from businesses that have been victims of people getting caught short after a night out.

Andy Sharman, of Somerset West Businesses Against Crime, said: “There’s a lack of evening provision within Taunton town centre.

“It’s not nice for businesses coming in of a morning to be greeted by urine in the doorway.

“We’re trying to come up with a plan of what to do about it and then a consultant we’ve spoken to will go the local authority.”

Public loos were closed at night by Taunton Deane Council several years ago due to vandalism, drug abuse, people sleeping rough and anti-social behaviour.

A pop-up loo in High Street has also closed.

Street pastor Adrian Prior-Sankey said: “It’s not nice having people urinating in doorways in public view and it’s unfair on the business owners.

“But the young people have nowhere to go – it’s a growing problem because public toilets have been gradually withdrawn.

“A pregnant woman recently said she needed the toilet, but she didn’t want to go in the dark and couldn’t get into a pub – what was she supposed to do?

“We want to be an attractive night-time destination but it’s sending the wrong message.”

Cllr Ken Hayward, of Taunton Deane Council, said: “I’d encourage people to plan ahead so they use the facilities in pubs, clubs and theatres before starting to make their way home.

“There’s no chance of public toilets re-opening at night in Taunton, but we’d be interested to hear the outcome of the group’s consultations.

The public toilets in the pavilion in Hamilton Park are to re-open on Monday week following complaints of public urination in the children’s play areas.