DIGGERS have returned to the site of the proposed new toilet block on the Den in Teignmouth, giving fresh hope that the town may see new conveniences in the near future.

The works, which are likely to take two to three weeks, will see the removal of the old concrete staircase and are part of the final site preparations before the main contractor begins.

‘Teignmouth Town Council appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work towards improving our facilities,’ a town council spokesperson said. ‘We aim to minimise any inconvenience to residents and visitors while we enhance this important public amenity.’

However, there is still uncertainty over the availability of toilets on the Den from the end of the month when planning permission for the temporary block expires.

Campaigners handed over a petition calling for Teignbridge to extend the planning permission on March 8, but the district council is yet to respond.

Teignmouth took over the running of the public toilets in the town from Teignbridge District Council in 2014. As part of the deal, Teignbridge agreed to continue subsidising maintenance and cleaning costs until summer 2025.

Teignmouth had hoped to have built and updated all the public conveniences in the town to pay-to-pee facilities that would cover ongoing maintenance costs. However, the projects have been plagued by delays and a contractor for the new Den toilets was only appointed in January this year.

The previous toilets on the Den were reincorporated into the former Beachcomber restaurant - now Venus - in 2022.