The long-term future of Shepton Mallet's Commercial Road public toilets remains uncertain as the town council debated the terms of a proposed 25-year lease agreement with Somerset Council. The council currently maintains the toilets under a temporary arrangement, but Somerset Council is pressing for a formal lease.

The proposed lease, which includes a two-year break clause, was criticised as overly restrictive. "The 25-year lease is completely unreasonable," said Vice Chair Gavin Mayall. "We need flexibility within that arrangement. A one-year rolling lease or a maximum of five years would be far more appropriate."

Councillors raised concerns about the financial burden of maintaining or replacing the toilets, which are already ageing. "These toilets are not cheap," said Cllr Garfield Kennedy (Shepton West). "We could be looking at a three-quarters-of-a-million-pound replacement cost in the future. That's a huge responsibility for us to take on."

Councillor Edric Hobbs questioned whether the current location was suitable for long-term public toilet provision: "Apart from the odd lorry driver, are these toilets really in the right place to serve the town?"

Town Clerk Claire Baines acknowledged the challenges, noting that Somerset Council is not currently offering the Freehold transfer of the toilets. "The gentleman's agreement we have now can't continue," she said. "If the council isn't prepared to accept Somerset's terms, they may choose to close the toilets altogether."

Several councillors suggested that future investments should focus on providing modern facilities in Collett Park or other central locations, such as the Amulet.

"If the current toilets become unviable, Collett Park could offer high-quality provision," said Cllr Kennedy. "That might be a better long-term solution."

The council agreed to propose a one-year rolling lease with an option for a maximum five-year term, allowing flexibility while continuing discussions with Somerset Council. The decision ensures the toilets will remain open for now, but councillors emphasised the need for a strategic plan for public toilet provision in Shepton Mallet.