WHEDDON Cross public toilets have re-opened thanks to a funding drive led by Cutcombe Parish Council and the local community.

Towns and villages nationwide are losing their public loos, but in Wheddon Cross the Parish Council and community rallied together and – with support from West Somerset Council and Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund – secured the necessary funds to complete the renovations.

Alterations to the building to allow one end to be rented as office space and add a built-in donation box have been included to help with future maintenance costs.

Parish Cllr Linda Atkins, who helped lead the project alongside chairman Cllr John Anson, said: “Wheddon Cross is very centrally located on Exmoor and during popular events, like the Snowdrop Valley walk in February, the footfall is even higher. We’re delighted to have our public toilets back and it’s been great to see the community get together to make it possible.”

Sarah Bryan, chief executive of Exmoor National Park, officially opened the facility on June 15.

She said: “People not only come to Exmoor to experience the beautiful landscape but also because of its close-knit communities. This spirit of working together is part of what makes Exmoor special and I commend all involved for their hard work in securing this community asset.”

Cllr Brenda Maitland-Walker, West Somerset Council’s lead member for environment, said: “Our towns and parishes have worked with us to take on responsibility for public conveniences and Wheddon Cross was at the forefront. I’m delighted that the facilities are open again and would like to thank the parish council for their efforts on behalf of the community.”