A LOCAL councillor has expressed concern about the “dire” conditions of toilets at Musselburgh Grammar School.

Fraser McAllister claimed that the toilets were “so poorly maintained” the boys did not want to use them.

He said that only two male toilets had snibs and paper bins regularly overflowed, while soap dispensers were often empty.

Mr McAllister claimed the girls’ toilets were “worse by a country mile”, as sanitary towel bins regularly overflowed to the extent that girls had to take home used sanitary products. He said: “Such lack of hygiene and privacy causes girls to avoid using toilets.”

Mr McAllister initially raised his concern – which he said came from a meeting of the school’s parent council via the pupil council representatives – at a meeting of East Lothian Council’s policy and performance review committee earlier this month. The school is Public-Private Partnership (PPP) controlled.

He raised the issue again at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday as councillors were discussing extending the management contract at Dunbar Grammar to cover its new extension, saying: “Look at the state of the toilets at Musselburgh Grammar.”

However Angela Leitch, the council’s chief executive told Mr McAllister that work was ongoing to address concerns.

Mr McAllister told the Courier: “The total cost of the PFI/PPP contract at Musselburgh Grammar School and the building maintenance is £400,000 per annum. Last year the PFI/PPP bill in Scotland exceeded £1 billion per annum. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.”

He added: “These are young adults who deserve respect and privacy. It is absolutely diabolical. The unacceptable conditions of the Grammar’s toilets must come to an end.”

It was confirmed by East Lothian Council that there were eight male cubicles and they were the main boys’ toilets in the school. They said: “All of these were in working order and had working snibs. One cubicle, while in working order, was earmarked for refurbishment. As well as these cubicles there were a number of urinals.”

A council spokesperson said: “FES are appointed as facility managers, which is part of East Lothian Council’s PPP project. They have responsibility for all aspects of facilities management in the council’s secondary schools and this includes the provision of sanitary bins in toilets, the contract of which is with a separate company.”

Headteacher Colin Gerrie said: “Maintaining toilets of a high standard is always a priority. Arrangements will be made to ensure toilet paper and soap are re-stocked after each lunch break, as well as at end of day.

“The supplier for cleaning materials is being changed, which will see new, sturdier soap dispensers fitted.

“Increased frequency of sanitary bin collections is being requested and one of the cubicles in the boys’ toilets is being renovated – which will be carried out as soon as possible. All cubicles are in working order.

“We always value feedback and suggestions from the parent council, as well as pupils.

“We will be discussing what further actions might be required to build on the improvements already planned, as well as to promote the importance of maintaining high-quality toilets at all times – for example identifying and reporting any faults or maintenance issues requiring attention.”