TOILETS which cost Stroud District Council almost £90,000 to refurbish have proven their worth by scooping a third national award in just two years.

The public toilets in Marybrook Street, Berkeley, have been given a Loo of the Year Award for Provision and Standards by the British Toilet Association.

The toilets were judged on their signage and communication, décor and maintenance, fixtures and fittings provision, cleanliness, hygiene equipment, air quality, security, accessible facilities, changing facilities, overall management and customer care.

It is the third win for the Marybrook Street toilets since their reopening in July 2005 after undergoing a £87,000 refurbishment.

The refurbishment brought the ageing toilets up to date and included provision for parents and carers for people with disabilities.

The toilets recently hit the headlines when residents living near them claimed teenagers in Berkeley were using them for suspected drug abuse and sex acts.

A spokesman from Stroud District Council said: "The main toilet block is locked overnight. However, the council has a policy to provide at least one cubicle with 24-hour provision.

"The activity is alleged as the police have not found any substance to the allegations, however, youths were choosing to congregate around the facilities and paying to enter for warmth.

"With respect to vandalism at the facilities during this period this has been minimal."

For more information about the British Toilet Association visit www.loo.co.uk