COUNCIL chiefs have passed a recommendation to build a public toilet in Runcorn town centre.

A proposal for the facility has been approved by Halton Borough Council's executive board and is due to be rubber-stamped by the full council.

The decision follows months of complaints from residents and shop-pers who were unwilling to use the superloo near the bus station.

Nicknamed the Tardis, it was the only public toilet left in the town centre following the demolition of the market hall as part of the Old Town's regeneration.

Halton MP Derek Twigg supported the battle for new toilets.

He said: 'This is an important step forward for the users of Runcorn shopping centre.

'Many people have been in contact with me about the lack of facilities and their reluctance to use the single superloo on Church Street.

'I am delighted that Halton council has listened to my representations and those of my constituents.'

The lavatory will feature modern facilities and will be monitored from outside by CCTV cameras.

The facility will also be visited by security guards and cleaners and made as vandal-proof as possible.

The council is inviting tender submissions for work to complete the fitout of the Direct Link building and plans to add the toilet works to the package in an effort to save time and money.

Cllr Rob Polhill, the council's executive board member for development, said: 'I am very pleased that the council has agreed to provide the Old Town with a new toilet block.

'This has been a long-awaited decision and councillors - including Allan Massey and John Swain - have worked hard to secure this for Run-corn shoppers.'

Council leader Tony McDermott added: 'This is a long-awaited and much-needed facility. The coin-operated superloo has not been popular.'