THE public toilets in Ilkley's Riverside Park will not be reopening in the near future due to a lack of hand washing facilities.

Ilkley Town Council, who are responsible for the upkeep of the facilities, have said the public conveniences will not open until the situation is rectified.

A statement on Ilkley Town Council's website says: "The opening date cannot be confirmed at the moment but the opening date will be posted on this website once it is known."

Ilkley Town Councillor Mike Gibbons who is chairman of the public toilets committee of Ilkley Town Council said: "We are looking at a major refurbishment of these facilities.
"There is no hot water and there are various problems with the building that mean we can't be confident of offering a properly sanitised environment.
"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience."
He added: "There has been a broad agreement that a considerable sum of money will be allocated but it needs to be ratified by the council."

The news will come as a disappointment to many local residents.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Ind, Ilkley) said she had received many queries from residents about when the toilets will open.

She said: "For some the lack of availability can cause huge problems and embarrassment There isn’t the availability of the odd pub or similar to slip into. I am sure the numbers contacting me are only the tip of the iceberg.

"It has been a source of concern to some residents. Even though shops are closed the town is something of a focus for them to head towards."

Ilkley Town Council has confirmed the public toilets in the carpark in Ilkley will reopen on Monday, March 8.