AN environmentally-friendly toilet in Ilkley will reopen after a major refurbishment.

Bradford Council has upgraded the public convenience at White Wells on Ilkley Moor, a Grade II listed building, with the help of Ilkley Parish Council.

The toilet has been upgraded to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act.

As there is no electric cable running to the toilets, its energy source now comes from solar panels.

District councillor Anne Hawkesworth, who is Executive Member for the Environment at City Hall, said: "I am delighted that this facility will soon be open to members of the public.

"We have worked closely with Ilkley Parish Council to ensure the toilet meets the requirements of its users.

"Due to the difficulties of getting an electric cable to the site, we have come up with an interesting and environmentally-friendly solution by using solar panels as an energy source. It is exciting to be able to use this modern, cost-effective and unobtrusive solution on such an historic building."

Coun Mike Gibbons, the Chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, said: "We are pleased to be associated with the improvements to the facilities at this local treasure."

The toilet will be re-opened on August 27.

White Wells Spa Cottage was built by Squire Middelton in 1756 and consists of two open-air baths. It is now a museum featuring a stone plunge pool filled with icy green water, and information on Victorian cures from gout to melancholia.

It also includes countryside displays, nature and trail maps.

l Churchgoers in Addingham will now be able to spend a penny in comfort thanks to the completion of a new £16,5000 toilet.

Mount Hermon Chapel decided in 2002 to try to raise enough money to refurbish the loos, replacing the single toilet, which had cold water only, with a new modern facility.

In April 2003 the 'Privy Fund' was opened and fundraising began. Easter Fairs, Christmas Fairs, musical events and a Flower Festival all helped to swell the fund until enough money was in the kitty.

Pastor Susan Roe said: "It is unusual for a church to get excited over new toilets but now the new ones are finished it's hard to believe that we managed, as we did, for so long."

At the official opening last week, Duncan Hall, Addingham's singing milkman, cut the ribbon and declared 'The Privy' open. The church can now boast two ordinary toilets, and a fully equipped disabled toilet.

Everyone who helped the fund in any way received thanks for their generosity and the people involved in the building project itself received praise.