FRIENDS of Fullarton (FoF) believe the proposed budget cuts to public toilets will have a “detrimental impact” on its woodland.

Before the new year, it was announced that if the current budget proposal of removing all public toilets from around South Ayrshire is given the green light, it would come into effect by 2019/20 and would save South Ayrshire Council a total of £208,335.

However, Crawford Young of FoF, explained that the closure of public toilets would be felt “especially hard” on Troon’s Fullarton Woods.
He said: “It will be felt especially hard on Troon’s Fullarton Woods, where the toilet block is crucial to the local community.

“The woods are becoming increasingly popular with many locals using the woods for recreation and relaxation. 

“The hugely successful Fullarton Fairy Trail is drawing young and old alike to walk and explore the woods.

“Removing that facility will result in people urinating and defecating in the bushes and this can only have a detrimental impact upon the general public health and will actively deter many people from visiting the woodland.

“As Troon has continued to grow, so has the demands on the woodland.

"The Troon Allotment Society are having considerable success in engaging with all sectors of the community with some plots being taken by local schools & nurseries as well as a local Alzheimer’s support group.

“South Ayrshire Council’s own outdoor learning programme has brought over 400 children of all ages to Fullarton Woods to learn the joys of wildlife and appreciate being outdoors. 

“All these groups will be hit hard if the toilet block closes.

“Each of these groups, along with the many other users of the woodland, being families, casual walkers, professional dog walkers, horse riders, orienteering club, runners, cyclists and church groups – will be hurt by the closure of the toilets.”

Speaking previously to the Troon Times, Troon Community Council, Vice Chairman Douglas Graham, explained that they will be fighting to keep the public toilets open in Troon.

He added: “We can’t afford to lose the public toilets in Troon.

“If they close, where are people going to relieve themselves? Are they going to open to Town Hall for people to use?

“There is absolutely no way they can take them away - as a community council, we will be fighting to keep them open.”

Consultation for the public to have their say on South Ayrshire Council’s budget proposals closed on Sunday, February 11.