A GROUP which has worked tirelessly to keep their town’s public toilets open - and succeeded - is celebrating after winning a Platinum award in the 2019 Loo of the Year awards.

The Baildon toilets were entered in the unattended public toilets category. The Town Council runs and maintains the facility, a move which came after Bradford Council’s decision to withdraw all budget provision for the toilets.

They are now described as a “showcase for the community” - open from dawn until dusk every day aside from two days at Christmas. Baildon Love our Loos is a group of volunteers, who, in support of Baildon Town Council, have helped to keep the toilets open and turned them into a unique community spot decorated with murals depicting the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The group says the toilets are heavily used by walkers and people ‘on the road’.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Councillor Gill Dixon in the Baildon public toiletsCouncillor Gill Dixon in the Baildon public toilets

“The beautiful countryside murals inside the ladies and gents facilities are a point of interest for local people and visitors,” said Councillor Gill Dixon, of Baildon Town Council.

“Whilst maintaining a ‘back to basics approach’, which reduces cost to the public purse, and also deters damage, the facility is now transformed and welcoming.”

Last year, further improvements were made including a baby-change facility and new LED lighting both inside and out.

Every entry was paid an unannounced visit by a Loo of the Year Awards inspector and was assessed against 101 judging criteria - including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings and overall standards of cleanliness and management. Every washroom receives a grade ranging from Bronze to Platinum - Gold and Platinum winners are then shortlisted for national awards.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Cleaner Stevie Hodgson received a medal for her workCleaner Stevie Hodgson received a medal for her work

Cllr Dixon said: “We are absolutely delighted with this well-deserved award. We receive regular feedback from users that these toilets are an absolute lifeline for many in the community who need easy and reliable access to a loo, whatever the time, to enable them to maintain their independence.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Baildon's public toiletsBaildon's public toilets

She added: “We also know that Baildon is a popular starting point for moorland walks, and our facility is essential for them. For the second year, our loos will be splendidly illuminated with a rooftop Christmas lights display, perfect if Santa needs a stopover.”

Baildon Town Council and Love our Loos thanked Baildon-based Reflections Cleaning, which cleans the toilets, and the firm’s cleaner Stevie “for her dedication”.