PLANS to reopen seafront toilets in Minehead are progressing. 

West Somerset Council says it is working with a business after it received an offer to reopen the toilets attached to The Arkade, Warren Road. 

Managing director Marcus Kravis offered to open and maintain the toilets at the cost of his business, if the council paid for business rates, electricity and water. 

Mr Kravis says he grew tired of disappointing customers, including young children, when he told them there were no toilet facilities. 

The council says that it will continue to pay the business rates for the rest of the season, but that there are some 'technical issues' that need to be addressed before the conveniences could be issued with an operating licence. 

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Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Mandy Chilcott, who also chairs the authority’s assets group, said: “We welcome the approach from Mr Kravis and are appreciative that a local business has come forward and is willing to play its part.

"Work has already started with Mr Kravis to resolve the technical issues to enable the toilets to reopen.

“As a council we no longer fund public conveniences – the funding for this very specific Minehead facility is coming from tourism-related funds.”

Cllr Andrew Hadley, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and tourism, said: “Tourism is vitally important for Minehead so we have been able to find the funding for the utilities’ bills for the coming season. 

“We are always willing to work with others – towns and parishes and community groups and we are pleased this offer has come from a local business.”

Mr Kravis, who says he first offered the idea in January, hopes the toilets can be open by May. 

He said: “It is excellent news that WSC, have responded so positively. It would appear we are all systems go and hopefully the toilets will be re open for May Day bank holiday.

"There is a legal agreement to sort out, but I am sure that not even the lawyers can’t make this one too complicated.

"I am very confident that any technical issues will be resolved in time, and I am looking forward to the day when the public can once again use theses toilets. “