SHOPPERS would be unhappy with the current design of replacement toilets in Bedford Street, Stroud, town councillors have warned.

Members claim women would feel intimidated with male and female cubicles opening onto each other on either side of an internal corridor. They also said the men would prefer a urinal area as well as toilet bowls.

Speaking at the Consultations committee on Monday, November 24, Sharon Lennon said there should be a separate entrance for both genders.

"I couldn’t allow my children to go into a toilet where there’s one entrance," she said.

"I think elderly people might also have reservations."

Kevin Cranston added: "You’re going to have men who are probably not going to close the doors.

"We need separate corridors so women of a nervous disposition aren’t going to see a man in a bit of a hurry."

Stroud mayor John Marjoram said installing a urinal area would prevent queues for the toilet on Friday and Saturday nights.

"I you have just seats there men pee on the floor and if you go the other way you take your trousers down and you get them wet," he said.

Councillors were also concerned a proposed water fountain on the block could be vandalised and pointed out that a pitched roof rather than a curved roof would allow solar panels to be installed.

Catherine Dodd, SDC public space officer, said: "That passageway is two to three metres wide so it’s very wide.

"It’s not meant to feel like a corridor.

"It’s just like two separate blocks, it’s not an enclosed space."

She thanked councillors for their comments but stressed the plans were still in the early stage.