A FRESH attempt is being made to reopen public lavatories in Barnard Castle.

The Victorian lavatories were closed, along with public conveniences in Woodland and Hamsterley, earlier this year as part of cost-cutting measures by Teesdale District Council.

However, ten councillors have asked that the closure of the Barnard Castle and Hamsterley lavatories be reconsidered, because the council received a better-than-expected financial settlement from the Government.

Barnard Castle councillor Margaret Hamilton said: "Even if we can just get them opened for the summer months it will be something."

Hamsterley councillor George Richardson said: "We have walkers, tourists and all sorts of passers-by coming through the village."

Councillor Ken Robinson, chairman of the council's corporate strategy group, said: "It's up to the council for themselves, on the day, whether they want to keep the toilets."

Earlier this month, Barnard Castle town council decided against taking temporary responsibility for the lavatories as members felt they could not afford the running costs.

Councillors will consider whether to reopen the lavatories at a meeting of the council on Wednesday, at 2pm, in Teesdale House, Barnard Castle.