PLANS for major improvements to the ageing Bedford Street toilets in the centre of Stroud have been unveiled.

A replacement has emerged as the top public priority for the town in a survey recently conducted by Stroud Town Council.

Now Stroud District Council has produced detailed plans to tear down the existing block of toilets and replace them with a modern facility within the next 10 months.

Although plans are at an early stage, the new toilets could well become a flagship for eco-efficiency. Sensor taps and smaller flushes will reduce water usage, while insulation, energy-efficient lighting will minimise energy consumption. These measures will be subject to an energy efficiency survey, which will also look at the feasibility of solar panels.

Architects have drawn-up details for an eight-toilet facility. It will be designed to fit in with surrounding buildings. The current design shows a single entrance facing Fawkes Place, meaning customers in the Sub Rooms café no longer have to look out on the toilet doorway.

It is hoped that the new wall facing the café will have either mosaics or artistic lighting installed.

The new toilets will provide a wider range of facilities than the current one. There will be two blocks with a wide central passageway that will not be roofed to keep the area as light and open as possible.

There will be three gents and three female cubicles. The family room will have adult and junior loos and wash basins and baby-change. The disabled loo will also have baby-change. All cubicles are individual units, which are accessed directly from the outside of the building. Either sex can use the family/disabled rooms.

The current facility provides four female toilets, one disabled toilet, and two male toilets and urinals.

Signage will be cut into the lintel above the toilet doors. External CCTV and external lighting is to be installed prior to opening to deter anti-social behaviour and vandalism from the outset.

SDC, which owns the site and is responsible for the toilets, has set aside £150,000 in funding.

The town council has agreed to contribute £10,000, providing everything can be agreed by the end of March. Draft plans will be available for public viewing from November 24 in the window of the town council office in London Road or at www.stroudtown.gov.uk