Thousands of pounds lost as Lanark Loch toilets remain closed

So claim those clamouring for the re-opening of the toilets at the burgh’s top visitor attraction, the Loch, after it emerged that last year’s estimate of £47,000 to repair the long-defunct block has now shot up to £63,000.

It has also been claimed that, last year, the council knocked back an outside offer of £10,000 towards the costs “on legal grounds”.

Members of the town’s community council have now accused the SLC of ignoring the old adage of `a stitch in time’ and claim its slowness to get on with initially simple repairs at the Loch toilets and other public buildings is needlessly costing the taxpayer huge extra expense.

Specifically on the toilet repairs, there is anger that the town’s biggest single tourist and visitor attraction is to go another summer season without these basic facilities, damaging the whole economy of the Royal Burgh.

On hearing of the rocketing costs of the Loch toilet repairs, an exasperated chairman of Lanark Community Council, Frank Gunning, commented: “This is the Murray Chapel all over again.”

For more on this story pick up a copy of the Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.