Oakham Town Council and Rutland County Council have joined forces to build new facilities in the Church Street car park following complaints from tourists and residents.

The public toilets in Cutts Close are closed because of problems with vandalism and facilities on John Street are often closed for similar reasons.

But plans to build new toilets in the town took a major step forwards when a design was chosen and payment issues resolved.

Oakham Town Council voted in favour of a brick and slate building which will include energy saving features and facilities for disabled and baby changing.

Some members called for the toilets to have a pay per entry system.

Julie France said: "We need these toilets desperately and they have to go in an open space to deter graffiti. They should also be pay per entry to put people off just going in cause damage.

"The opening hours should only be until 5pm in winter and 6pm in summer to stop people hanging about and doing unsavoury things in there."

But councillor Jim Harrison questioned whether the money that would be generated from users would be enough to cover the costs of paying someone to empty the machines.

It was decided that the toilets will be free to use and opened from 8am until 6pm every day on a trial basis. They will be cleaned for half an hour four times during the day and again when they close.

Changes may be made when the facilities are open.