SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) has released a list of the next public toilets to be reopened following closures during the coronavirus pandemic.

The local authority had already reopened six of its facilities, however, it will now reopen a further 11 over the coming weeks.

The 11 sites selected include:

  • Earlston
  • St Boswells
  • Newtown St Boswells
  • West Linton
  • Morebattle
  • Yetholm
  • Denholm
  • Chirnside
  • Greenlaw
  • Cockburnspath
  • Broughton

Last week, campaigners in West Linton were calling on the council to reopen the village's public toilet as the closure was having an adverse effect on locals and visitors.

Public toilets will be open from 9am-5pm, seven days a week until the end of October.

The council is expected to announce the reopening dates for the 11 sites shortly.

In addition to reopening public toilets, SBC said it will reopen four contact centres/library contact centres next week. The sites reopening will be Kelso, Duns, Coldstream and Eyemouth. A fifth, Selkirk, will reopen in two week's time, however.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, executive member for transformation and service improvement, said: “Whilst traditional face-to-face services have not been available during the pandemic, we have continued to serve customers through our website, by telephone and through pre-booked face-to-face appointments where necessary.

“This has been very successful and many customers have welcomed these flexible service options, which will continue to be available. So many services can be accessed through our website and these continue to expand all the time, so I would urge customers, wherever possible, to click before they call or visit.

“With the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise again, we all have to remain extremely vigilant and take all necessary precautions. Service users will be required to wear face coverings (unless exempt) in our Contact Centres/Library Contact Centres, ventilation will be increased and hand sanitiser will be available and should be used. Screens will also be in place at desks to provide additional protection for customers and staff.”

For opening times for contact centres/libraries, visit the SBC website.

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