THE REFURBISHMENT of public toilets in Dursley is set to take place in the new year, as the local authority looks to include improved disability facilities.

The aged loos at May Lane Car Park, opposite the Old Spot Inn have become dilapidated and in need of renovation.

As well as investing £70,000 to improve the conveniences, Stroud District Council has been in contact with disability charity, Allsorts Gloucestershire, who have suggested the inclusion of several facilities to improve disabled access, such as lift hoists and motorised units.

Public space service manager for SDC, Carlos Novoth, said the council was considering how to incorporate some of the group’s plans.

“We’re restrained by having to use the original shell of the building,” he said.

“We’re going back to the equipment manufacturers to see how we can incorporate some of the designs. There is a possibility for some of the facilities that the group want. It is really a case of how we can get that funded.”

Mr Novoth added that there were “no promises” about the inclusion of disability features and it was likely the council would have to go to some form of trust to help fund the extra ideas.

Currently the toilets are expected to be renovated to form single “rooms” for visitors rather than the cubicles that are there at the moment.

If plans are agreed, the tendering process is hoped to be started within the next month and the renovations to take place after Christmas.

The planned demolition of the toilets in Castle Street Car Park is also set to take place after the refurbishments are completed at the May Lane toilets.

This will be the eighth toilet refurbishment that the council has undertaken recently out of the 12 it looks after in the district.

The authority's work in offering brighter, clean, modern, safe and accessible toilet facilities has been commended by the Great British Toilet association, which has put the council in its “Premier League” of top 20 toilet-providing local authorities.

In addition, each of the six toilets inspected last year by the association received a gold award, ensuring the council was on the 2012 Loo of the Year Awards’ “Roll of Honour”.