PUBLIC toilets in Dursley have been given a fabulous makeover and updated with state of the art disabled access facilities.

The transformation had started on the aged loos at May Lane Car Park, opposite the Old Spot Inn, in October last year with Stroud District Council investing £70,000.

The results have been spectacular with the bright and airy toilets now thought to be the best public conveniences in the county.

As well as separate rooms for males, females and changing facilities for babies, there is a separate room housing the latest in technology for disabled users.

An electronic lift hoist and motorised changing table allows wheelchair users and others with disabilities to access the conveniences with ease.

Dursley mayor Cllr Jane Ball officially re-opened the building, has also seen the outside revamped to include a bench, flower baskets and room for hedgerows to be planted soon.

The update will not only reassure disabled people in the area that usable facilities are to hand, but it is also hoped it will encourage even more tourists to the area, particularly walkers on the Cotswold Way.

Cllr Ball said the building looked “amazing” and thanked Stroud District Council for its efforts.

“It’s excellent, they have been built to the highest quality. I am impressed,” she said.

“It’s important we have got facilities here because we have lots of visitors, we’re definitely a town on the up.”

Disabled access charity AllSorts have been part of the discussions for the new-look toilets and project co-ordinator Nikki Michael, whose 12-year-old son Joe has cerebral palsy, said the facilities were better than they had at home.

“It’s a human right to have some dignity and this is the only way to have some dignity in this situation,” she said.

“They are brilliant I can’t believe it, it’s a complete transformation.”

A Stroud District Council spokesman said: “We are very pleased that we have been able to provide these first-class changing facilities for our disabled residents and their carers.

“These are the only public toilets in the district that currently include such facilities, which we hope will make a real difference to peoples lives.

“The May Lane toilets are popular with walkers using the Cotswold way, so we have incorporated an outdoor seating area into the design.

“The May Lane toilet now offers something new for both able and less able user.”

The toilets will be open to the public from 7am to 7pm every day and will be cleaned twice a day.