PUBLIC loos in Porlock which were earmarked for closure have been given a new lease of life thanks to a pioneering partnership.

The future of the toilet block in the village's Central car park was threatened under cost-cutting measures put forward last year by West Somerset Council, which owns the building.

But Porlock Parish Council decided it did not want to lose the facility and one councillor, David Hancock, came up with an alternative option.

The result - the refurbishment of the disabled and baby changing facilities to provide two unisex loos - is now completed.

The former men's and women's toilets have been converted to provide a business space which has been rented out to local personal fitness trainer Matt Keal.

The rent will be paid to the district authority, with the parish council covering the running costs of the new toilets.

The district council is understood to have invested around £6,000 in the refurbishment, with the agreement over the running costs yet to be finalised.

"It's a good result all round," said Cllr Hancock.

"The parish council was very concerned about losing the toilets - although there are other public facilities in the village, these were located where most people park.

"We are delighted and the district council is very pleased with the outcome and is considering the same format for other threatened toilet closures."

The toilets are expected to be open to the public within the next few weeks.