Shepton Mallet Town Council has agreed to take on the lease for the Commercial Road public toilets after Somerset Council refused to offer a rolling lease arrangement.

Without this decision, the toilets were set to close at the end of the financial year.

The lease means the town council will manage and fund the toilets, ensuring they remain open for residents and visitors.

However, there will be an initial cost of around £5,000 to bring them up to standard, and the council will need to give two years' notice if it wishes to terminate the lease.

Councillors highlighted the importance of public toilet provision, particularly for local events such as the Snowdrop Festival and the town's markets.

Many residents expressed concern over the potential closure, with some saying they would struggle to access alternative facilities.

The town council will now work on refurbishments and maintenance plans to keep the facility open for the long term.