More than half of Moray's public toilets to stay open following public demand.

MORE than half of Moray’s public toilets previously earmarked for closure will remain open.

During the authority’s budget consultation earlier this year, strong public opinion surrounded the closure of the facilities, with residents citing the negative impact it would have on the general public, businesses and tourism.

Leader of Moray Council, Cllr George Alexander, said the revised list shows the importance of people getting involved in the council’s consultations.

“In our initial proposals we suggested closing all public toilets in Moray. It’s not something we wanted to do but, given the financial position the council was and still is in, we had to make unpopular choices,” he said.

“However, the responses we received during our consultation on budget measures were based on sound argument, and we decided to keep open those which were either on a tourism route or were heavily used in certain locations.

“I would hope that, as we undergo a similar further public consultations later this year, people will see that what they say does make a difference, and that all voices are listened to”.

As a direct result of public feedback and an equalities impact assessment, Moray Council will keep 20 of the 32 public toilets open. Closures will take effect from 1 July 2018.

To remain open:

Aberlour – Alice Littler Park
Buckie – Newlands Lane
Buckie – Harbour
Burghead – Harbour
Craigellachie – Victoria Street, next to Craigellachie Hotel
Cullen – The Square
Cummingston – Playpark
Dufftown – Albert Place
Elgin – Cooper Park
Findochty – Edindoune Shore
Findhorn – West Block
Fochabers – Eat Street
Forres – Grant Park
Garmouth – Playing Field
Hopeman – Harbour
Keith – Regent Square
Lossiemouth – Esplanade
Portknockie – Harbour
Rothes – Off New Street
Tomintoul – Back Lane

To close:

Buckie – Strathlene Beach
Buckie – Town House
Craighellachie – Fiddich Park
Cullen – Harbour
Cullen – West Beach
Findhorn – Middle Block
Forres – The Leys
Hopeman – East Beach
Keith – Mid Street
Keith – Reidhaven Square
Keith – St Ruffus Park
Lossiemouth – Station Park