Essity Prudhoe Mill helps save Road Ends toilets

A toilet paper manufacturing business has stepped in to save a public toilet facility in Prudhoe from possible closure.

The toilets at Road Ends had deteriorated badly, but taxpayers faced a four-figure shortfall in funds to fix the facility.

Essity Prudhoe Mill, the town’s biggest employer, donated the £5k needed to Prudhoe Town Council alongside new soap dispensers, air freshener units, toilet roll holders and a supply of rolls.

The company made the contribution as part of its global Hygiene Matters initiative.

Hexham MP Guy Opperman was on hand to officially reopen the public toilets earlier this month.

He said: “Although this event has definitely raised a smile, the closure of any public toilets is no laughing matter.

“This is an amenity both for the people of the town and visitors, and I’m pleased to see what a great job has been done of the refurbishment.”

He added: “Northumberland County Council, Prudhoe Town Council and Essity have shown what can be achieved by coming together and working in partnership – and all three organisations should be applauded for their efforts.”

George Placogiannakis, manager at Prudhoe Mill, which manufactures toilet paper brand Velvet, commented: “We are proud of the role we play in the town where many of our employees live as well as work – and have supported a number of local initiatives over the years.

“But this is the biggest single donation we have ever made, and the first since our Swedish parent company changed its name from SCA to Essity earlier this year.”

Cllr Gerry Price, Prudhoe town mayor, said: “I am delighted that the Road Ends toilets have now been completely renovated, and that our local MP Guy Opperman was able to join us and perform the opening ceremony.

“The town council has always been committed to retaining these toilets as a public amenity in the town but were concerned at their deteriorating state.”

He added: “Although we were happy to contribute, alongside county council funding, for the renovation of the toilets we were delighted that the generous donation from Essity saved this burden on local taxpayers.”

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