RESPONDING to the needs of visitors and businesses, West Devon Borough Council re-opened the Bedford Car Park toilet in Tavistock on Tuesday (July 28).

The reopening of the disabled and unisex toilet was part of the borough council’s support package for Tavistock.

The toilets have been closed as part of a wider review of public toilet provision in the borough and in consultation with Tavistock Town Council.

Cllr Terry Pearce, lead member for communities at West Devon Borough Council, said: ‘In these challenging times West Devon Borough Council is quickly responding to the needs of visitors and businesses during the current situation by making them available once more.

‘Some safety works and a deep clean took place and the disabled toilet and unisex facility is open.

‘The Guildhall toilets remain open, pending a transfer to Tavistock Town Council later in the year and the bus station also has a unisex toilet available, with the help of a grant from Tavistock Town Council.

‘Over the summer period and into the autumn we will be working closely with our partners, Tavistock Town Council to see what options can be considered for the long term.’

The reopening of the toilet will be a welcomed relief for residents and visitors alike who felt that there were not enough toilets available for the public to use, especially at the height of summer when tourism booms.

Angela Court, owner of The Wharf, had set up a petition in order to get all the toilets on Bedford Car Park opened.

‘People were angry about the toilets closing at Bedford Car Park as they are the only ones in this area of Tavistock.

‘For two years this [the ownership of toilets in Tavistock] has been going on, all we want is for someone to take the toilets on permanently. We are telling everyone about our wonderful town and to come here but there are no toilets!’