BAILDON's public toilets were officially opened with great fanfare today after undergoing a makeover. 

Baildon Town Council has formally accepted the transfer of the public toilets in the town, and will be fully responsible for their running and maintenance from now on. 

The move came after Bradford Council's decision to withdraw all budget provision for the toilets.

The town council agreed to take over the toilets in October last year and a usage survey found an average of more than 400 people use it every week. 

A crowd gathered to see the transformed toilets be officially opened by Maureen Robinson, 84, who ran nearby Robinson's Sweets for 52 years, and has played an important role in safeguarding the future of the public toilets. 

Councillor Gill Dixon said: "The toilets have been here a very long time and when Bradford started reducing their budget, the town council stepped in. 

"First of all we looked after them and then we've taken them over. We did a user survey and the toilets are still very well used and we know that all sorts of groups, like walkers, they start off here because they can go to the loo before they go off on their long walks.

"It's an important facility for a lot of people."

She added: "There are other toilets in cafes, but they are not always open and you can't rely on it."

As part of the makeover, local artist Jenny Tribillon has created eyecatching murals which now adorn the toilet walls and doors. 

Cllr Dixon added: "The idea of painting a mural is that it will be long-lasting and also the more we look after it, it will discourage any vandalism.

"We think it is a very well-loved facility and and we're very proud of our 'Love our Loos' logo. It's fantastic, we're really thrilled and I think everyone is amazed - before it was very bare and now it looks really great."

Peter Ashton, Baildon Town Council Chair, said things like public toilets are important for making the town attractive to visitors. 

"We feel it's absolutely essential for the economy of the town.

"It's absolutely essential for us in terms of Walkers are Welcome status, where we have to have public toilets.

"But we realised they weren't the most attractive place and we were going to have to spend some money on them."

He said: "I think it looks fantastic and I'm sure we will make further improvements."

Mrs Robinson added: "They're beautiful. I was amazed when I went in, it's lovely. 

"We get a lot of walkers, there's nowhere else to go and if you're up here what do you do?"