Former public convenience given new lease of life as small shop

A former public convenience in Larkhall has been given a new lease of life thanks to Bath & North East Somerset Council and two enterprising local women.

The toilets, at Larkhall Square, were in poor repair and were closed in July 2014. 

Local residents, Lucinda Niel and Kirstie Clarke, put forward a proposal to run a small shop and maintain a public toilet on the site. 

The shop is now open selling children’s toys, gifts and homeware, and the free unisex public toilet again available for use. 

Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative Bathavon North), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This is good news – by working with the new tenants and the community, as well as current and previous ward councillors, we have been able to keep a public toilet on site as well as providing a new shop for local people.

“This is a great example of working innovatively with the local community.” 

The toilet cubicle is disability compliant, has baby changing facilities, and will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.