Don't lose Leverton loos, says chairman as council welcomes interest from entrepreneurs

Coun David Durrant said: “If these toilets were to be demolished people would still stop and the problems in that area would continue, it would be a short sighted approach.”

His comments come as the council has welcomed interest from people looking to run a business from the block.

He said turning part of the building into a business and retaining the other half as toilets would be a ‘reasonable’ solution.

“It is important to have some sort of amenities there because there isn’t anywhere else in the locality,” he said.

It comes as two entrepreneurs with catering experience have already come forward for talks about future uses for the public toilets on the busy A52.

Boston Borough Council has said both are interested in developing a café at the lay-by site.

The council publicised the toilets to let or buy after Lincolnshire County Council gave notice of its intention to withdraw funding for the toilets which the borough authority maintains.

The council wants to maintain public access to the toilets and wants to hear from anyone with an interest in taking over responsibility for the public toilets.

If an alternative tenant can not be found the loos could be demolished the council has warned.

On Wednesday, Following interest from entrepreneurs in acquiring Leverton public toilets as a business opportunity Boston Borough Council has formalised the procedure for submitting expressions of interest.

To be received by noon on Friday, December 2, by post, and addressed to George Bernard, Head of Operations, Boston Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, West Street, Boston, PE21 8QR, submissions should include:

* nature of business

* proposals for alterations to existing building

* ability to provide one wc unit for use by the general public

* anticipated opening date of business

* an undertaking to apply for ‘change of use’ planning consent.

All applications will be assessed on the above criteria in evaluating which business best meets the needs of the local community.

The council publicised the opportunity after Lincolnshire County Council gave notice of its intention to withdraw funding for the toilets which the borough council maintains.

Coun Paul Skinner, the council’s cabinet member with responsibility for public toilets, said previously: “It may sound unlikely but this has sound prospects. This is a substantial building with room for more than just the public toilets. It presents an opportunity for someone to develop a thriving business, perhaps offering refreshments to travellers on their journeys with the added bonus of much-needed relief for those on the road by way of the public toilets already in existence.

“Anyone taking this on will have to get over the idea that this has only ever been a public toilet. It will suit an entrepreneur with vision and the right spirit of progress. The alternative, sadly, will be to close and demolish the building”

If you have any queries regarding the expression of interest contact George Bernard or Richard Tweddell on 01205 314200.