A RETIRED couple who complained about the poor state of a public toilets block have given the refurbished facilities their seal of approval.

Lancashire residents Vic and Barbara Robinson were given a guided tour of the conveniences this month – two years after they first wrote to Richmondshire District Council to complain about their condition.

They had been on one of their regular visits to the Yorkshire Dales when they stopped to spend a penny in Hawes.

Mr Robinson said: “The toilets were in a very poor state - the interior was drab and dark, they looked old and well past their sell-by- date, and there was a lingering smell which made them unattractive to use unless you were desperate.

“We complained to the council and are delighted to now come back and see the improvements. They are 200 per cent better and a pleasure to use".

Mrs Robinson added: "It is so important to have good quality public conveniences, and we commend Richmondshire District Council for keeping their toilets open when many other local authorities have closed their down."

Councillor John Blackie, leader of the district council as well as ward member for Hawes, said he was delighted the Robinsons had returned to check out the work.

He added: “Hawes is a busy town which welcomes a lot of tourists every day - it deserves to have civic facilities that encourage them to come back, like the Robinsons, time and again.

“We have spent £20,000 on improvements that restore our pride in what we have to offer both visitors and local people who need to use our public toilets.  Every penny was worth it.

"As well as Hawes, in the last year we have spent £10,000 improving the toilets at Middleham, £20,000 on those at Victoria Road, Richmond and £15,000 on toilets at Kelberdale Terrace in Leyburn via a grant to the town council.”