COUNCIL bosses have assured shoppers that work on Bolton's Nelson Square toilets will start soon.

Their comments come after one Bolton man complained that the loos, "temporarily" shut 12 months ago, were still not open.

In a letter to the BEN Mr William Moores, of Camrose Gardens, wrote: "How can we attract shoppers to Bolton when we do not have public toilets for them to use which are kept clean by the attendant?"

But Mr Jeff Layer, head of the council's environmental management department, said work should begin on the Nelson Square toilets in the near future.

He explained: "Tenders are about to be sent out for the contract to repair the toilets. The delay has been caused by detailed investigations which have been needed to determine why water has been seeping into the toilet building.

"That work has been carried out by a specialist contractor and now work to surround the block with a waterproof membrane should start soon.

"It is expected the work will be completed in September and we can only apologise that the work has taken so long because we know how important toilets are in the town centre."

And calls by Mr Moores to have the notorious Back Cheapside toilets closed could soon be met.

The police have the block under regular surveillance amid allegations it is a favourite meeting place for homosexuals.

In his letter Mr Moores added: "If any toilets should be closed Back Cheapside must be a priority. They are a disgrace to Bolton."

Mr Layer confirmed that proposals will soon go before the council's planning and environment committee which could mean the closure of the toilet block.

He added: "The proposal would result in the relocation of the toilet facility which would be provided and maintained by a private company."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.