Work is about to start on a town's badly needed new public loos, which will be open in a few weeks' time.

Public toilets in the centre of Downham Market have been out of action more often than they have been open in recent years because of technical problems.

Now West Norfolk council says it has signed contracts for new toilets, which are expected to be completed by October.

They will include an accessible toilet and two self-contained unisex toilets, one of which will also have a baby-changing facility.

The improved conveniences will keep the curved, carrstone end walls of the existing block, located in the car park by the Town Hall.

The toilets which are set to be improved in Downham MarketThe toilets which are set to be improved in Downham Market (Image: Google)

Bal Anota, the council's portfolio holder for property and corporate services, said: "Having good quality toilet provision is an important part of making town centres attractive and vibrant places that people choose to visit.

"Downham Market is one of Norfolk’s gems and deserves to have high-quality amenities. I now look forward to seeing the completed works."

A Downham Town Council spokesman said: "Residents and visitors will now have the confidence that they can visit the town and not spend valuable time searching for working amenities."

A new updated town map and information board will also be added to the block as part of the revamp, giving visitors more up to date information about Downham.

The current toilets were installed as part of a £1.7m regeneration of the town centre in 2003.

But they have experienced a number of problems in recent years, leading to frequent closures.

The complex self-cleaning system was functional at the time they opened but over the years has become difficult to repair, as replacement parts are now hard to find.