CHEPSTOW’S new public toilets have finally opened this week, over a year after the town council were granted planning permission.

The new facilities in Thomas Street, converted from what used to be a studio flat, were opened last week by town Mayor Dale Rook, Councillor Hilary Beech and Cllr David Dovey.

The facilities are directly opposite the bus station, and have disabled access.

In addition to the public toilets, the development also houses space for a community meeting room and is the new place from where the food bank supply will be distributed.

The town council were granted planning permission by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) in May, following a long-running campaign to open the public facilities.

In addition to funds provided by the town council, the Lower Wye Area Committee provided a contribution to 11 Thomas Street of £14,028.

The building is being leased from the owner by the council, at a cost of just over £4,#000 per year.

The council were unable to gain planning permission for 24 hour opening for the facilities, and therefore the public toilets will be open from 8.30am-6pm in the summer, and 8.30am-5pm in the winter.