A LOCAL bus station has toilet facilities at last – some 55 years after they were expected to open.

The new facilities at Chepstow bus station are housed in the former rest room that was used by drivers and other staff of the Red and White bus company.

The Chepstow Community Rooms have been funded by Chepstow Town Council and the Lower Wye area committee of Monmouthshire County Council.

As well as the public toilet, the building also has a meeting room and is the new distribution point for the Chepstow Foodbank.

It was officially opened by the town mayor, Cllr Dale Rooke, deputy mayor Cllr Hilary Beach and the vice-chairman of the area committee Cllr David Dovey.

Last year the Review reported about a newspaper cutting from 1959 which said it was expected that toilets would be opened at the bus station the following year.

It had been hoped to have a 24-hour facility on land opposite the new community rooms, but agreement could not be reached with the landowner which is based in the British Virgin Islands.

Cllr Rooke said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to open this facility for the town – it has been a long time coming.”

The building is being rented by the town council and the Lower Wye committee has made available £26,000 that was earmarked for the other toilet project.