SIR - I am a Ballycastle tourist and have visited the seaside town for many, many years. However despite loving the area very much (my wife comes for there) I would like to highlight the disgraceful lack of toilet facilities available there.
“Last week I read an article about a Cushendall business owner who was annoyed over the closure of toilets at the village's Mill Street in April and that the public were constantly coming into his premises seeking to use the facilities.
“I would l
ike to support this man and understand immensely how annoying this could be - I’m sure many of the Ballycastle businesses feel the same.
“As far as I am aware the nearest, and only, toilets are those at the tennis courts which are right at the top end of the town. This is obviously handy for those there but what about the people at the bottom of the town - are they meant to ‘hold it in?’
“Also the tennis courts toilets are ok for those who are able bodied or can get a parking space nearby - which is virtually impossible most of the time. However I have arthritis and find it extremely difficult to get any where near to the facilities - meaning, on many occasions, I have to walk half a mile or so.
“Going to the toilet is a basic facility for us all, so not offering enough doesn’t make sense. Portstewart has two sets of toilets, at the bottom of the prom and at the top plus an number of establishments along the way. Coleraine and Portrush also have the necessary toilet facilities to cope with both, tourists and residents. However I feel that’s not the case for Ballycastle - and I’m sure this discourages the tourists.
“Any families visiting Ballycastle, or any location, one of the first things they do when they get there is locate the toilet a) after a long drive b) to use changing and washing facilities.
“I understand the Maine Hotel is offering some facilities, but surely it’s not up to a local business to do what a Council should basically provide for the ratepayers.”
Yours a Ballycastle tourist
