THERE has been an update on the long-awaited refurbishment of the Abbey Ground toilets in Cirencester.

Cirencester Town Council announced they have appointed a contractor to start work on the toilets last Monday, February 6.

This project has undergone numerous delays because of the pandemic and planning permission issues.

The existing toilet block is believed to have closed because it was the target of vandalism.

Sewage pipes for the building were also breached by nearby tree roots.

Portable toilets beside it were only supposed to be a short term fix but have been there for last few years.

The total cost of the project is over £150,000.

Several new cubicles should be open before the end of May.

New baby changing facilities will be ready in the summer.

There will also be larger toilets designed to support disabled people and include equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.

According to a design and access statement submitted by planning agent James Slater & Co on behalf of the council, this will 'fulfil a much needed facility which is currently lacking in the surrounding area'. 

The statement also said: "The proposed timber cladding will allow the current structure to sit more harmoniously within the surrounding landscape being less visually obtrusive that the current iteration of the toilets."

Cirencester Town Council said in a statement they are in the process of undertaking due diligence checks and hope to have a contract in place before the end of the month.

Sourcing materials and programming works will take around 14 weeks.

A spokesperson from Cirencester Town Council said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of a contractor for the refurbishment of the Abbey Grounds Toilets.

They added: "We want to open several of the new cubicles before the end of May and have the Changing Places facility open soon after, ready for the summer. The overall cost of the project is going to be in excess of £150,000.”