A call has been made for action on providing public toilets in Lowestoft following the closure of Wilko.

Lowestoft’s new Labour MP, Jess Asato, met with local councillors, Tess Gandy, Janet Craig and Labour group leader Peter Byatt, to discuss the problems people in the town and tourists are facing due to the permanent closure of the public toilets on Gordon Road as part of the new Cultural Quarter development.

Ms Asato said: “The new development at the Battery Green site is really exciting, but it’s a shame that the public toilets were closed without putting plans in place to replace them elsewhere in the high street area."

She said the notice posted at the Wilko site "wrongly states" that toilets are available in Triangle Market and there is no map to ensure people know where their nearest one is. 

Internal work has already begun at the former Wilko store on Gordon Road. Internal work has already begun at the former Wilko store on Gordon Road. (Image: Mick Howes) READ MORE: Aerial photos show town centre car park ahead of £24.3m transformation

"The lack of accessible toilets has a real impact on disabled people, some of whom have told me they are now not leaving their home due to concerns that they won’t be able to access toilets when they are out and about," the MP said.

"Being able to access a public convenience is also critical for people with medical conditions and pregnant women," she added.

Ms Asato and the councillors are calling on East Suffolk Council to provide a temporary replacement for the Gordon Road toilets, with the development likely to take months before it is complete.

In response to the calls, East Suffolk Council released a statement, which said: "During redevelopment, public toilets in Gordon Road have been closed. While work continues, alternative public conveniences are available within 160 metres at the bus station, 350 metres at the library, and 500 metres at the railway station.

“Toilets are also available at Jubilee Parade, Kensington Gardens, Sparrows Nest, and at East Point Pavilion, in Royal Plain.

“Signage at the Battery Green site previously included alternative toilets in Lowestoft's Triangle Market. However, updated signage has today been displayed at the site, as these toilets are currently undergoing refurbishment by Lowestoft Town Council and will remain closed until next month. The signage will also include a map showing the locations of nearby public toilets.

“Once complete, the Cultural Quarter development will include new and improved toilet facilities.”

The project will see the transformation of the Battery Green multi-storey car park and surrounding land into a £24.3m cultural quarter.

The new development will feature three "landmark" buildings including a new restaurant.

The work will see the demolition of the Marina Centre building's north wing and "the substantial and complete redevelopment" of the Battery Green car park site.

The cultural quarter is due to be completed by spring 2026.