A LAST-DITCH attempt to re-open vandalised public toilets in Stourport has been rejected by Wyre Forest District Council.

However, brighter news may be around the corner for business owners who fear the closure will damage tourism and economy in Stourport, after councillors agreed to look into opening toilets elsewhere in the town.

But outraged Stourport folk believe a review into possible future toilets elsewhere does not compensate for the loss of the Bridge Street facilities, which are being replaced by a superloo in Raven Street.

Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for community life Ken Stokes told members of the executive committee Bridge Street was no longer a "viable" location for the toilets.

He said they would cost £10,000 a year to run and to keep them open would have cost an additional £52,000 in repairs and refurbishment, with a further £22,000 a year required to provide additional staff to deter further vandalism.

He added the superloo made better financial sense at an estimated cost of £39,500, including the first year's rent, with future annual running costs of £24,090 plus inflation.

However, Stourport Business Association, which organised a 50-name petition of shops against the closure, has scoffed at the review.

Chairman Russell Hinton said: "All the evidence about the lack of toilet provision was on show at Stourport Carnival.

"The council put 10 portable loos in place at the riverside, so they are in effect admitting the town's toilet facilities will not cope with popular tourist events.

"There is also a complete lack of baby changing facilities at the remaining town centre toilets. Are people expected to change children in a superloo?"

Stourport mayor and district councillor for Mitton Michael Grinnall said: "The situation over the toilets appears to have been resolved a long time ago.

"People in Stourport have spoken of their disgust for months on end and still they are not being listened to."

The Bridge Street toilets will be demolished over a three-week period beginning on Monday.