Work is underway on new permanent toilets in Carlisle city centre.

The new facilities will be situated in The Lanes Shopping Centre, on the first floor opposite Carlisle Library.

The previous toilets closed in 2014 to make way for Ed's Easy Diner, which closed in October last year.

Since the controversial closure, shoppers have had to use temporary toilets in a portable unit near the main square.

There have since been calls for new permanent facilities to be reestablished in The Lanes.

Work is now underway on the new toilets, which will open in late April.

The facilities will be accessible by lift, escalator and stairs.

Both the male and female areas will have a self-contained baby change cubicle including changing area, toilet, wash hand basin and dryer.

There will also be two new accessible toilets accessed from the main entrance area.

The funding has been provided by Carlisle Shopping Centre Limited and Carlisle City Council.

Les Tickner, deputy leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “Working with partners, we’ve reacted to the requests of Lanes customers and we’re delighted that we can support the steps to improve the shopping centre. The new facilities will be ideally situated in the middle of The Lanes and will be accessible to all shoppers.”

David Jackson, commercial director of The Lanes, added: “I am delighted that we are now in a position to work on this new facility which will be an excellent addition to our centre as we continue to improve the overall shopping experience for the benefit of our customers.”

In addition to the new toilets, there will also be a Changing Places facility, funded by Cumbria County Council.

A ‘Changing Places’ toilet has enough space and the right equipment to cater for a variety of disabled people’s needs, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

Beth Furneaux, county council cabinet member for health and care, said:

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to make this investment and it’s great to see the difference it can make.

"Disabled people can face serious challenges getting out and about and enjoying the day-to-day activities many of us take for granted. These new facilities at The Lanes in Carlisle should make a huge difference to disabled shoppers and their families.”