THE public toilets in Cockermouth have re-opened - with safety measures in place.

The facilities on Main Street and in Bitter Beck car park, off Market Place, were closed on March 24 following government advice.

At an online meeting of Cockermouth Town Council earlier this month, councillors discussed whether they should be opened again. There were concerns about health and safety and it was decided to keep them closed and monitor the situation.

The Chamber of Trade then approached the council about re-opening the toilets as shops began to open in the town.

Town mayor Julie Laidlow said: "We had to wait until everything was in place before we could re-open them."

Clerk Sheila Brown said: "We carried out a risk assessment last week. Our cleaner is now cleaning three times per day.

"We have put up signage asking those with corona virus symptoms not enter, asking those who enter to socially distance, we are asking users to wash their hands before and after use and we have put in additional products so users can also clean before use.

"Our cleaner has been given appropriate PPE and we are safely storing PPE and bin waste for 72 hours before disposal."