RESIDENTS of Ayr are calling for action to be taken to re-open the public toilets at Carnegie Library which have been closed for two years.

The facilities in the building, which sits on Main Street, have been shut since 2015 after they were misused and police advised their closure. 

The issue was discussed at a public meeting recently. Cathy Sharkey highlighted the problem.

She explained: "The library toilets are locked and have been for more than a year. First of all there was a key and now they are not open to the public at all."

Cllr Lee Lyons said: "I am going to look into this."

 Jill Cronin, Head of Enterprise, Development and Leisure, said: "Due to misuse, the toilets were closed to the public in 2015 following advice from the Police. 

"People attending courses at the Cybercentre can still access the toilets as can disabled people with a RADAR key. Access to other facilities in the building are controlled by staff."

South Ayrshire Council initiated The Comfort Scheme which aims to provide clean, safe and accessible public toilets in convenient locations for residents and visitors.

Under the scheme businesses let members of the public use their toilet facilities free of charge during normal opening hours. Many of the premises offer wheelchair access and baby changing facilities.

Local businesses are paid a small annual fee to open up their toilets for public use. This fee is dependant on how many, the standard and types of facilities you have, and your opening hours.

Members of the public will be able to use the toilet facilities during opening hours without any need to make a purchase. Participating businesses include Straiton Public Convenience, Main Street, Straiton, Kirkmichael Community Shop, 24 Patna Road, Kirkmichael, Barrhill Memorial Hall, Main Street, Barhill and Crosshill - 34 King St. 

Other toilet facilities in Ayr, which cost 30p, are on Arthur Street, Blackburn Drive and the Pavilion on the Low Green.