TOILETS closed on both sides of the Torpoint ferry could be brought back into use after councillors demanded action over passengers being left without facilities.

The long-running issue was raised at the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee on Friday, where members heard concerns about passengers having to walk significant distances to find a toilet while onboard facilities have also been unavailable.

Councillors said the lack of toilet facilities was creating problems for passengers and residents alike.

Cllr Rob Parsonage, who represents Torpoint on Cornwall Council, called for both shore-based toilets to be reopened.

“The toilets on both sides of the Torpoint ferry should be brought back into use,” he said. “It would be most beneficial, and we should not expect people to walk half a mile to a toilet, particularly older people and women.”

The committee heard that the toilets aboard the three ferries have also been out of service since June 9.

Chief Officer for Tamar Crossings, Philip Robinson, said reopening the shore facilities would involve more than simply finding money for repairs.

“We know this is an issue. The toilets on either side of the ferry have been closed for a long time,” he said. “It’s not just the financial cost, there are other implications around misuse.”

He also said the onboard toilets were unlikely to function as intended because there was insufficient capacity.

Cllr Anne Freeman said residents living close to the Devonport ferry were reporting people urinating against walls, bushes and fences. But warned that reopening the facilities could prove expensive, with previous discussions suggesting plumbing and drainage may have collapsed.

“This is a much bigger issue than some people realise,” she said.

Cllr Parsonage said any business case should examine capital costs, ongoing revenue costs and who would be allowed to use the facilities.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport Dan Rogerson proposed that possible funding options, including charging members of the public a small fee, should also be considered.

The proposal was unanimously supported.

Meanwhile, Torpoint Town Council clerk Camilla Southworth questioned whether a three-ferry service would be maintained if the toilets were reopened, given the additional staffing and financial resources that could be required.

Joint chairman Andrew Long said almost all Tamar Crossings’ income came from tolls and warned that spending had to be carefully controlled.

“Almost all of our income is derived from tolls, and our financial resources are therefore under constant review,” said Cllr Long. “The Chief Officer removed £750,000 worth of costs from the budget last year to address diminishing reserves and is looking to do the same this year.

“Investment in infrastructure and additional staff must therefore be proportional and justified. The budget-setting process for next year is under way – and any additional requirements for the ferry will be considered as part of that process.”

Mr Robinson said Tamar Crossings was already below its prudent reserve of £3 million and could not spend outside its approved budget.

A full business case on the future of the toilets is expected to return to the Joint Committee in December.