IT could soon be all cisterns go for a town which for decades has been trying to get to the seat of a vexed problem - public loos.

Anti-social behaviour and vandalism means Yarm's public toilets are closed in the evenings and weekends, much to the frustration of visitors who come to town by the coach load.

Town council leaders are to discuss with National Lottery bosses the possibility of a grant to restore the town hall to its former glory, and putting the space presently occupied by the toilets to better use.

That would mean installing a modern replacement for the conveniences elsewhere in Yarm High Street.

Town Council chairman Brian Jones said he was hopeful the result would be "an amenity we can all be proud of".'

A public consultation exercise, with computer graphics and a model on display of what is proposed would be the first step in the process.

Coun Jones said: "Stockton council do not have an obligation to provide toilets, but we are hopeful we would secure the funding to allow us to do that.

"Hopefully we will be able to deliver.''