TRADERS in Yarm are losing patience over the lack of public toilets in the town centre at night.

One shopkeeper has been sickened at people using his letterbox as a convenience.

Town councillors were told this week that the businessman is faced with morning mail soaked in urine.

The whole question of the town hall loos - which are closed from dusk til dawn - will now be debated at the next meeting of Yarm town council.

On Tuesday, members heard the problem hinged on plans to revamp the historic hall.

A decision is awaited on a bid for lottery funding.

If this goes ahead, the town council wants to take the toilets out of the town hall to use the space for other purposes.

Members have already decided not to renew a lease under which Stockton council operates the toilets.

But, while the revamp scheme is uncertain, the facilities will still be provided.

Council chairman Liz Marsden said: "Stockton should operate the service until we know what's happening with the town hall revamp.

"At least we will have the loos for a while longer."

But Coun Gwen Porter said: "A trader has been complaining about the toilets being closed at night.

"He says people use his letterbox as a toilet and his mail is soaked in urine.

"It is not a good image for us and he is really angry.

"The toilets have been closed at night for some time now and we should try to open them up again, especially with spring approaching and the prospect of more visitors."

After the meeting, Coun Marsden said: "We want to totally revamp the town hall and that could mean losing the toilets to use the space for other things.

"We are having another go at getting funding to restore the building to what it used to be.

"But the toilets are a problem. We don't want them at the town hall but where do we move them to? There is no obvious alternative.

"We are not renewing the lease but the borough will be able to continue providing the toilets for the time being."

The toilets were closed at night to stop vandalism and use by drug-takers.

Stockton Borough ward councillor Marjorie Simpson said action was taken after a child picked up a used needle. Also, the toilets were not kept clean by users.

"We thought it might help if they were closed at night and there has certainly been less damage," said Coun Simpson.

"If the town council wants them open at night they will have to ask for this. I won't do it on principle."

The borough has no legal obligation to provide toilet facilities.

Coun Simpson said the council would set up an alternative if and when the town hall revamp took place.

A proposal had already been made for a new toilet block near the town hall bus stop, she said.

This would have a facade to resemble a mini-town hall.

But even at this stage, some people have lodged objections about siting.

"Stockton is quite happy to talk to the town about the toilets situation," said Coun Simpson.

"But it does not make sense to keep repairing facilities vandalised and damaged at night ."