Loo with a view! Architect kicks up a stink with vision to redesign toilets spoiling picturesque view of Diss Mere
Diss Mere. Picture: Simon Parker - Credit: Archant
An architect is kicking up a stink about a block of toilets which he believes is spoiling one of Norfolk's most picturesque views - and has unveiled his own vision for the area.
Diss Mere and town sign (Picture: Denise Bradley) - Credit: �Archant Photographic 2010
Joe King, from Diss, wants to see the 1950s building overlooking the town's Mere turned into a pavilion with a cafe.
But after nearby Harleston's hi-tech self-cleaning toilets a couple of years ago proved to be little more than a flush in the pan - with residents taking an instant dislike to them - Diss Town Council's leader is cautious about the move.
'The toilets are an eyesore,' Mr King said. 'They are chunky and pretty awful. They take up a huge area and don't do a lot.
'The town got behind the Corn Hall and saved it. The town needs to get behind the Mere's Mouth toilets and the land opposite and buy it.
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'They could put in new toilets where the garden is and turn the existing building into a cafe pavilion.
'Then they could sit on a level area and enjoy a cup of coffee and admire the view instead of looking at a derelict toilet.'
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The lavatories are owned and currently managed by South Norfolk Council but will be maintained by Diss Town Council after the summer.
One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, complained: 'I would rather wet myself and then leg it home than go in there.
Diss Town Council leader Graham Minshull admitted there had been a problem and that the council would be managing the toilets in the future.
But he was cautious about any plans for state-of-the-art toilets or a pavillion with a cafe.
He said: 'I am always wary about toilets. Harleston put in brand new toilets and the whole town took a dislike to them.
'And we have already got a pavilion and kiosk in the park which are underused sadly.'
Tim Horspole, South Norfolk Council's director of growth and localism, said. 'The toilets at the Mere are cleaned every day but this is an old building that is now looking a little tired.
'We are discussing a number of options with Diss Town Council, including the possibilities of refurbishing the block.'
