PUBLIC toilets in Newerne Street, Lydney – closed for months – have reopened following a major refurbishment.

The reopening will certainly come as a welcome relief.

The Newerne Street toilets are the second of five public conveniences which the council set out to refurbish, starting last year.

Work in Cinderford has already been completed, with work on the Newent toilets due to start as soon as the weather clears sufficiently. Their make-over will be followed by upgrading the toilets in Newnham and Woolaston.

In all cases, the new internal and external improvements will include the replacement of toilets and basins, new floor coverings where required, doors repainted and better access and disabled facilities.

The Newent toilets are expected to be completed by Easter, and all works should be finished by May.

Chris John, property services manager at the Forest Council, said: "We are very pleased to complete the refurbishment of the second public conveniences and hope people will find them much improved. The Lydney toilets should be much more user-friendly now, particularly for the disabled.

"We will have to close the Newent toilets when the work is being done but there will be portaloos available, including one with disabled access."

Cllr Brian Robinson, cabinet member for efficient council and planning policy, said: "These improvements to our public toilets throughout the district will benefit both local people and visitors to the area, and confirms the council's commitment to improving our local services.

"It also offers opportunities for local contractors to provide their services to us during these challenging financial times."