Town centre toilets to be reopened
(www.theorcadianphotos.co.uk)
The long running saga of the St Magnus Lane public toilets came to a conclusion in the council chamber yesterday, Tuesday, when a move to have the facilities reopened gained support from councillors.
The toilets were closed in 2010 in a cost-cutting move, and the council had previously said there were no funds available to get the public convenience up and running again.
However, with an increase in tourism in the town, due especially to a swell in visiting cruise liners in the summer months, and various initiatives to encourage more local people to support town centre businesses, there have been increasing calls for the facility to be reopened.
The issue has been before councillors on numerous occasions, and was previously the subject of a 3000 signature petition organised by the Kirkwall BID, which was earlier presented to councillors.
Kirkwall and St Ola Community Council have also called for the reopening of the toilets over a number of years.
On Tuesday, after a lengthy discussion and series of votes, a move by Councillor Leslie Manson, supported by fellow Kirkwall Councillor David Tullock was successful in having the toilets reopened.
Leaders of the Kirkwall BID and the community council say that both organisations are delighted with the decision. They also said that they were very grateful to the councillors who backed them in the move.
Full story in The Orcadian on Thursday.