Oldhamers have shared their frustration at the toilets closing at the Sainsbury’s on Union Street.

The store’s toilets have been closed to shoppers, with the company saying the safety of colleagues and customers is its 'highest priority'.

Some shoppers have speculated that vandalism has led to the decision to close the toilets.

Sainsbury’s confirmed that toilet facilities at its nearby fuel station would remain open.

Shoppers shared their frustration on social media site Nextdoor.

Stoneleigh resident Nick Tush said: “I vote with my wallet and refuse to go there.

“It’s unfortunate as the new Nectar prices are actually quite competitive.”

Sainsbury’s recently announced a major change to extend its discounted offers for Nectar card holders to rival Tesco’s ‘Clubcard prices’.

The change means those using a Nectar card will pay less for some products than those without.

Chadderton resident Lynn T commented: “Public loo provision is pathetic, as far as I know, there are some at Tommyfield Market, the bus station (usually closed), then Spindles.”

Oldham Council lists 11 public toilet locations throughout the borough on its website.

Sainsbury’s comments on 'difficult decision'

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is our highest priority and we have taken the difficult decision to close the toilets at our Oldham store.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience.”

Last year, Sainsbury’s Union Street store in Oldham was chosen for a one million pound investment to install a geo-exchange refrigerated integrated heating and cooling system.

The system, which will eventually be introduced across the whole of Sainsbury's 1,400-store estate, uses boreholes driven into the ground below the store to facilitate heat transfer.

In the summer, hot water from the refrigeration process will be pumped down the boreholes releasing heat into the surrounding ground.

In winter, the process is reversed, and the warmth locked in the ground will be drawn upwards to help heat the store.