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

The former public convenience in Larkhall.

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 Council agreed to carry out the conversion works, which have now been completed. Credit must also be given to two former local councillors – Bryan Chalker and Dave Laming – who lent their active support to saving the building.

Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative Bathavon North), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “We wanted to see the former public convenience put to good use. By working with the new tenants we have been able to ensure a public toilet is maintained on the site, as well as providing a new shop for local people.”

The tenants have now picked up the keys and are busy fitting out their lifestyle shop, which will sell children’s toys, gifts and homeware.

The doorway into the new shop unit!

The free unisex public toilet, which is disability compliant and has baby changing facilities, will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.
The tenants will be in charge of unlocking, locking, cleaning and supplying soap and toilet rolls.

The toilets and shop are expected to open later this month.