A FORMER public lavatory will soon be on the holiday trail - when it is converted into a new tourism information centre.

The old toilet block on Thirsk’s Market Place is to be converted into a retail unit for the local TIC to move into next spring.

Hambleton’s cabinet gave the gave the move the go-ahead this week after agreeing that the TIC should move from its current position on the Market place earlier this year.

The move will cost the authority £45,000 and the building will be leased to the TIC.

It replaces an initial plan to move the centre into the World of James Herriot centre on Kirkgate, failed to receive backing from the community.

"Consultation has shown that the existing toilet block is the prime location for this TIC," said cabinet member Nigel Clack.

"And after talks with members of the Thirsk Regeneration Initiative they will manage the service as a Tourist Information Point with volunteers.

"They will run it as a commercial operation taking subscriptions from local businesses."

The centre will be run along the same lines as the successful volunteer-run Tourist information Points in Northallerton, Bedale, Easingwold and Great Ayton.

Disabled toilet provision will be available in the centre during opening hours.