Public toilets in Fife will not be closed until suitable alternatives have been found.
That is the assurance being given by Fife Council after details of a review of its 160 public toilets was announced by the local authority’s environment and transport group.
The review is being undertaken as the council looks to make over £200,000 of savings.
However, there are fears that closing public toilets could have adverse effects on the region’s tourist industry.
With the review set to be completed by the end of the year, Councillor Pat Callaghan said: ”It’s important that during this appraisal none of Fife’s public toilets will be phased out until alternative facilities have been identified.”
Fife Council is hoping that any shortage will be filled by businesses joining up to their Comfort Break Scheme.
The council says businesses may benefit from additional trade as a result, but just 15 partners have signed up to the scheme so far.
St Andrews councillor Dorothea Morrison has previously raised concerns about the effects on tourism of closing public toilets, and has reiterated those concerns.
”Public toilets cost a lot of money but we have to look at what we provide,” she said. ”A lot of people come to St Andrews for day trips and most people want to come here with their families.
”Fife Council recognises how important St Andrews is for tourism, but we do not want people going away thinking that the toilets are closed and that they do not feel welcome.”
Fife Council leader Alex Rowley defended the review process.
He said: ”It has to be remembered that we inherited this situation and are now seeking measures to resolve it accordingly. Fife deserves and needs to have a high level of quality toilet provision for all its residents and visitors alike.”