Moves are afoot to bring a disused toilet block in a prominent woodland location in Keswick back into community use.
The former National Trust public conveniences, situated above the footpath heading to Friar’s Crag on the Derwentwater foreshore, are still in excellent condition despite closing more than ten years ago.
Three board members with the Keswick Community Asset Company — Debbie Edginton, Tony Lywood and Dilys Riley — are now seeking permission for the block, once run by Allerdale Borough Council, to be used as a base or storage area for open water users such as swimmers and kayakers.
“It’s a crying shame that this lovely building has fallen into disuse,” said Mrs Edginton. “I know it can’t be used as a public toilet block as it is now not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
“However, we could use it for some other community purpose like a changing room for swimmers or indeed something else.
“The interior is in good condition and although it needs minor repairs it is wholly functional.”
Mr Lywood said that very little was needed to be spent to bring the block back into good order although it would need to be connected to electricity and water.
“Internally it’s dry and there are no leaks,” said Mr Lywood.
“It’s like going back in time. If you imagine a toilet block preserved in aspic for 25 years, that is how it looks.”
Mrs Edginton said that once the block had become established as a shared facility for community groups it could possibly, in the future, be run along the lines of the Fell Foot park facilities near Newby Bridge, in the south of the county, where a small charge is made for access with the proceeds going towards maintenance.
