THE bus station toilets in Royston could yet be saved from demolition.

North Herts Council has agreed to meet Meltax, a taxi firm in the town, which has offered to take over the running costs of the loos.

The firm, which has been based at the bus station for 28 years, made the offer after widespread public opposition to the proposed closure of the toilet block.

The council plans to spend £155,000 rebuilding toilets at Fish Hill and £15,000 refurbishing those at The Cross.

Geoff Dawes, the owner of Meltax, said: "The toilets are a valuable amenity for people. I have suggested to the council that we take over the running of the toilets because it makes no sense to get rid of that facility."

Mr Dawes also said he believed the toilets were legally "the property of the people of Royston" and could not be sold or removed without their consent.

"We cannot buy them and the council cannot demolish them because they are owned by the people of Royston," Mr Dawes said.

But he said the district council had not given any financial incentives to help with his offer.

"They don't want to spend a penny on the toilets and they don't seem to want to offer me any kind of rebate.

"My offer to them is that they give me a little more space there to operate the business from," he said.

"There has to be some kind of offset or discount - I'm not their benefactor."

Mr Dawes thanked the Mercury for voicing Royston people's frustrations.

"I think the press have forced the district council's hand. We're out on a limb here as far as North Herts Council is concerned and we must ensure we are not treated like second-class citizens," he said.

Campaigner Terry Hutt, who delivered a 1,396-name petition to the council, said: "I'm all for Meltax taking over the toilets.

"If it's a way they can be kept open for the community that's fantastic. Meltax has arrived at the last minute like an angel in disguise."

A spokesman confirmed that the council would meet Meltax next month for talks.

http://www.hertsessexnews.co.uk/news/mercury/royston_mercury/2007/02/23/taxi%20boss%20in%20drive%20to%20save%20town%20toilets.lpf