A Community Toilet Scheme has launched in Melksham, partnering with local organisations to expand access to safe, clean toilet facilities to non-customers. The scheme supports efforts to make Melksham accessible, allowing visitors to plan their trips and explore the town with peace of mind.
Melksham’s Community Toilet Scheme will work alongside existing public toilets by welcoming anyone to use the toilets of participating organisations, during normal opening hours, without being required to make a purchase or be a customer. The scheme helps reduce barriers and uncertainty, raises awareness of hassle-free toilet locations, and enables visitors to plan their trips with confidence.
The Community Toilet Scheme also supports the local economy, increasing footfall to businesses people may not usually visit and enabling longer trips out, particularly for those with health conditions or young children. Participating businesses further gain greater visibility and recognition. Their support for a more inclusive Melksham is promoted through the Council’s communication channels.
Participating businesses include:
- ASDA Melksham Superstore, Bradford Road, SN12 8LQ
- Doubles, Coffee, Pizza & Records, Unit G2, Avonside Enterprise Park, SN12 8BT
- Avonside Wilts, Avonside Enterprise Park, SN12 8BT
- The Hiding Place, 15 High Street, SN12 8YJ
- Melksham Town Hall, Market Place, SN12 6ES
- Time to Stop, 4 Verbena Court, SN12 7GS
- Melksham Community Campus, Market Place, SN12 6ES
The launch of Melksham’s Community Toilet Scheme aligns with the Councils continuous efforts to make Melksham an inclusive, attractive place to live and visit by improving the towns ease of access. Melksham Town Council will provide clear information on where free toilet facilities are available on their website.
During an Amenities & Facilities Meeting on 9 February 2026, public participation raised questions about the re-opening on Church Street Public Toilets, which were closed by Wiltshire Council in 2016. The building is owned by Wiltshire Council and would require an Asset Transfer for Melksham Town Council to take on the facility. The investment required to make Church Street Public Toilets safe and usable were quoted as significant. In addition, ongoing insurance and staffing costs have not been accounted for in this year’s budget. At an Amenities & Facilities Meeting on 20 April 2026 the committee asked for a public consultation and report to be conducted to consider financial implications on the budget.
The scheme compliments current public toilet provisions, improving access to facilities throughout Melksham at varying hours of the day, beyond just the high street. Businesses interested in getting involved are invited to contact Melksham Town Council’s Partnership team to learn more.
Shari O’Shaughnessy, Director of The Hiding Place, commented:
“It is a pleasure to be involved in Melksham’s Community Toilet Scheme. When raising my boys, I would go into a pub, or cafe asking to use the toilet only to be refused unless I bought something. As an independent business in the heart of Melksham, we are proud to be a warm, welcoming space which supports an inclusive town. I understand the frustrations of a lack of accessible toilets, which is why we are happy to help expand Melksham’s network of free toilet facilities to everyone who needs to use them.”
Councillor, Adrienne Westbrook, commented:
“I put this forward as a motion to the Town Council in November last year. I passionately believe that as a community there must be other ways of dealing with the lack of toilets issue. Public toilets are misused and not treated with any respect by a small number of individuals. This often makes it a very unpleasant experience for the majority of residents. I was aware of this scheme and thought it must be a better alternative to the constant closure of toilets due to anti-social behaviour. I look forward to this scheme being implemented and our residents being able to use welcoming, clean toilets. Thank you to everyone who has helped get this scheme to this stage.”