Bath & North East Somerset Council has secured an agreement with a local business to provide public toilet facilities in the High Street in Weston.
B&NES Council have already upgraded a number of facilities across the area
As part of its plan for public toilets across the district, the Council publicised opportunities for innovative ideas to keep a public toilet open at this location.
In Weston, Andy Clarke, who runs a local cleaning and maintenance company, called ACM Cleaning and Maintenance, has agreed to take on a lease to run one cubicle, which will be unisex, accessible for disabled people and also have a baby-change facility.
It will be fully cleaned and maintained by the business in return for use of the rest of the building for storage.
The toilet will re-open for use from 24th February. It will then be open Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm. On Saturday it will close at 1pm.
Cllr David Dixon (Lib Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This is good news – we’re delighted that Andy has agreed to work with us in this innovative way.
“These types of partnerships are a great way of delivering benefits to communities at low cost.”
Andy Clarke said: “I am happy that this opportunity has arisen and that I am able to help and give the local community back this facility.”
The Council continues to work towards a similar agreement in Larkhall Square, where a planning application has now been submitted by the prospective tenants to run a new shop selling homeware, toys and gifts alongside one refurbished unisex toilet cubicle for public use.
Local Independent Councillor for Weston Councillor, Malcolm Lees, said: “I welcome the re-opening of the toilets, this is something that I have worked hard to achieve.
“I am very grateful for the support of Cllr Dave Dixon, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and especially Andy Clark who has taken up the challenge of working alongside the community.
“It is great to see the public and private sector beginning to work together to benefit communities.”
