A POPULAR West End park is leaving families in the lurch with its early toilet closures, it has been claimed.

The Botanic Gardens on Byres Road had its toilets open until 4pm each day, despite the park gates staying open until much later.

It’s been hailed as a safe haven for residents living in nearby flats who are using the site for much-needed fresh after months of being cooped up indoors following strict coronavirus restrictions.

However, park-goers have since complained the lack of facilities in the evening is causing problems for families and those with additional needs.

Mum Emma Caldwell, who lives on the nearby Prince Albert Road, said: “The West End is a lovely place to live but it’s quite hard for parking if you’re in a flat, which means we rely on local places.

Glasgow Times: The Botanic Gardens

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“Now, the nice nights are in I’d love to take the kids round to the park after work since it’s not like they can really do anything with my mum during the day given a lot of kid-friendly activities are still closed.

“But, with a four-year-old son, it’s just too risky. We live close enough to walk but now close enough to run home if he needs it.”

She added: “It seems a bit of a shame to not be able to make full use of it - especially since we’re being asked to stay outdoors and keep our socialising outside as much as possible.”

Taking to social media, many parents have said they’ve been put off using the park given the lack of toilet facilities in the evening and have opted to travel to other parks outside of Glasgow - where access to a bathroom is easier - instead.

A woman who lives in the area and asked not to be named said: “I witnessed a mother with a six-year-old daughter who needed to use the public toilet and could not due to the 4pm closure time.

“The surrounding bars and restaurants also turned the mother away resulting in the young girl wetting herself in public.

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“I phoned the gardens to be told that ‘people should be grateful the toilets are open for the duration that they are open’ - and that the reason for the early closure is due to Covid-19.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "Covid-19 restrictions have meant that until recently we have only been able to open one toilet block as a unisex toilet with opening times in line with normal arrangements.

"Both male and female toilets fully reopened on June 26 from 10am until 7.30pm each day."