WORK to renovate the public toilets near Andover Bus Station and deliver “fit for purpose” facilities is set to begin at the start of next week.

Test Valley Borough Council announced today (Monday) that the transformation will begin on September 16 after the authority appointed a contractor to carry out the overhaul.

Brand new toilets, sinks, hand dryers and cubicles will be installed, plus there will be a complete redecoration of the facility.

More environmentally sustainable technology will also be employed, including sensor taps, LED lighting and modern and efficient heating systems.

The work is expected to take 12 weeks to complete. During that time the authority will provide temporary toilet facilities near the taxi rank behind Waitrose.

Councillor Phil North, leader of the council, said: “The existing toilets have consistently attracted criticism from shoppers and visitors.

“I am therefore pleased that having purchased the centre earlier this year, we are finally able to undertake the work and we are now well on our way to delivering new facilities that will be fit for purpose.

“I look forward to this project progressing over the coming weeks and hope to see the newly refurbished toilets open for use as quickly as possible.”