A STRING of improvements are under way in Tavistock Pannier Market's new toilets, which were featured as an example of excellence on national TV recently.

The toilets, part of the town council's on-going refurbishment of the market, were the subject of a 'post-open audit', aimed at ironing out initial unforeseen problems in the new facilities.

Several issues came to light in the audit, including ventilation, lack of bag or coat hooks, slippery floors and the lack of sanitary refuse bins in the ladies' and disabled toilets.

John Brady, the new market reeve, told last week's meeting of the council's properties committee that many problems had already been resolved.

Hooks were being fitted and the hand-drier temperature had been turned down to prevent the area becoming too hot.

'On an average day the temperature is now quite cool and pleasant,' Mr Brady said.

He agreed with Cllr Judith Williams' concerns about the lack of emergency bell or light in the disabled toilet.

'I will investigate the costs and report back to the council. I do agree it's important,' said Mr Brady, who said there had been 'quite a kerfuffle' when a trader had accidentally got locked in one of the toilets.

The committee agreed that paper towel dispensers should be installed, in addition to the hand-driers, in an effort to reduce water spillage on the toilet floors.

Investigations were continuing to find alternative door fittings, after children and elderly people reported difficulties in pushing the spring-fixed entrance doors to the toilets.

Cllr Robin Pike said the 'key concern' was the lack of sanitary refuse bins.

The finance committee agreed the recommendation that £2,619 should be spent on providing such bins, the cost to be met through projected increases in pannier market income.