PUBLIC loos in Leominster have reopened after being taken on by the town council.

Loos in the town's central car park and near to tourist spot, the Grange, were closed as part of Herefordshire Council’s cuts to public services.

But Leominster Town Council has now taken responsibility for the conveniences and they are once again open to the public – along with those still open and managed by Herefordshire Council on Broad Street and in the Bus Station.

“We are delighted to have the toilets open again,” said Councillor Jenny Bartlett, chairman of the town council's devolved services working group.

“This has taken a lot of hard work and negotiation on the part of the town council, but we have listened to local people’s concerns, and feel it has been worthwhile.”

The news comes after Hereford City Council announced it had reopened two sets of conveniences in the city centre on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Both Union Street and East Street can be accessed by a coin-operated lock, costing 20p, which will help contribute to the cleaning costs.

Gill Ding, manager of Leominster Tourist Information Centre, said the move is "great" for Leominster and for visitors who were concerned about the closures.

“With summer coming along and visitor numbers beginning to increase, it is vital that we are able to meet their needs, as well as those of residents," she said.

"Lots of people will be visiting the town for the start of Leominster Festival and the opening of Grange Court, as well as other events during the coming months. All credit to the town council for taking this on.”