Public toilet remains open at Mealmarket Close, Inverness.

Members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee have agreed to retain a vital city public convenience at Mealmarket Close in the centre of Inverness.

Following debate on the potential closure of one of two public toilets at Castle Wynd Inverness and Mealmarket Close, members agreed to retain the facilities at Mealmarket and to look at the future use of the Castle Wynd premises.

Members agreed to recommendations to the closure of public toilets at Castle Wynd, Inverness which could take place by the end of 2011. This recommendation will be made to the Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee on 22 September following which, if declared surplus to requirements the Council would market the property for commercial use.

Provost Jimmy Gray, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee said: “This was not an easy decision to take however the public expects us to manage our finanaces efficiently. Officials have been asked to work up an alternative use for the building at Castle Wynd which, if viable, will result in it being found a new and innovative use.”

Budget savings measures agreed by The Highland Council in March 2010 and February 2011 included a review of public toilets with savings targets of £100,000 in 2011/12 and £225,000 in 2012/13.

The Council continues to provide City Centre public conveniences at nearby Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and Mealmarket Close.