North Norfolk District Council had planned to close the only toilet block in Stalham as part of cutbacks, which sparked outrage among locals and resulted in a major campaign to save them.

After more than half of the town signed the petition, led by district councillors Matthew Taylor and Kevin Bayes, the council agreed to halt the closure for at least a year in January 2025.

And now, not only have the original toilets been saved but the council has passed an amendment to spend around £25,000 on a feasibility study to build new toilets for the town.

Mr Taylor announced the news following a budget meeting last week and said: "It's fantastic news and exactly what we wanted - I am so pleased that we managed to get it."

Councillors Matthew Taylor and Kevin Bayes (Image: Matthew Taylor)

Mr Bayes had proposed the amendment for the study to be taken for the new toilets and a changing facility, and it was seconded by councillor Lucy Shires.

It will assess indicative project costs, identify potential barriers and risks and outline realistic timelines for delivery should funding become available.

Mr Bayes said: "We hope to relocate and one day bring forward a modern facility which better supports the future growth of the town. The amendment today is the first step in that plan."

Ms Shires added: "It is not a commitment to build but it is a commitment to do the groundwork properly."

Councillor Lucy Shires (Image: NNDC)

She said: "Stalham’s current public toilet provision does not meet the standard that our residents and this council expect from our public conveniences.

"Usage data does suggest that the current facility is not well used.

"Rather than ignore that, we’re choosing to respond to it to understand why and to explore whether a better located, more accessible facility would serve the town more effectively.

"This feasibility study will give us a clear evidence-based foundation."

The £25,000 for the study will be drawn from unspent allocations from other public toilet regeneration projects across the district.

© Eastern Daily Press