TAVISTOCK's Guildhall toilets, currently being re-built, will not now be opened until next month. The toilets were closed in autumn 2006 due to health and safety concerns. After a lengthy period, in which the design of the toilets was under discussion, planning permission was finally granted in October 2007 — but building contractors did not move on site for eight months. They finally started the project on May 12. The borough council, which owns the conveniences, originally said the rebuilt toilets would be opened by June. The most recent completion date is now July 18 — a delay which has not pleased Tavistock Town Council. Cllr Anne Johnson told members at the last full council meeting that she and new mayor Cllr Robin Pike recently held discussions with the borough regarding the project. She said: 'The contractors are working extremely hard to achieve this date and the borough council has taken on our concerns about the delay. 'I was extremely strong in what I had to say to them about the delay and they certainly took it on board and are dealing with it appropriately.' A spokeswoman for West Devon Borough Council said: 'Pre on-site preparations and procedures, for example, health and safety, took longer to complete than expected but the contractor is now working hard to complete the project. 'The borough council is also disappointed by the delayed completion of the project as a consequence of this, but is liaising closely with the quantity surveyor and architect to ensure that there is no further slippage on the scheme.'
