A TOILET block that has been closed for nearly 16 months after an arson attack have reopened in a £90,000 refurbishment. 

The Wharf Lane toilets were deliberately set on fire in July 2016 and had to be rebuilt. 

Chard & Ilminster News:

The town council, who are responsible for the toilets, used the opportunity to improve the facilities, but admit the project took longer than they'd hoped. 

There are now four unisex toilets and a disabled toilet with improved lighting inside and out. 

Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Val Keitch said: “I’d like to say thank you to people for their patience whilst the building works have been planned and construction undertaken. 

"The project has taken longer than we would have liked but it has been worth the wait. The new toilets are a great improvement on the previous design and we hope will be appreciated by people using the Rec.

"We know that the Rec is a much loved and well used area and having good toilets is important to lots of people who come to this great open space in the heart of the town."

The rebuilding element of the toilets was met from the insurance claim following the fire but the cost of the improvements was funded by the town council.

The exact cost of the project has not been confirmed yet but it is estimated to be in the region of £90,000. 

The council is arranging for the temporary toilets to be decommissioned and removed during the next two weeks.

Some parents have pointed out the lack of baby-changing facilities, but the council says the toilets will have them soon. 

A spokesman said: "The intention has always been to include baby changing facilities and the contractor is waiting for the unit to arrive. When it does it will be installed, as previously,  in the toilet with the wider access."