Riversdale needs a new toilet block

The Riversdale Beach toilets have been closed for the summer after the roof started falling apart while contractors were refurbishing the building.

Portable toilets will be in place for the summer while the Masterton District Council considers ways to work with the community for a new unit.

An application for building consent to build a mobility impaired person's toilet in the Bodle Drive toilet block was lodged with the council in 2011. Engineers inspected the building and plans were drawn up for the work, as well as the Southern Reserve toilets and the construction of the toilets opposite Camp Anderson, according to a report presented to councillors on Wednesday.

After the completion of the other two projects, KBL Building Contractors started strengthening work on the Bodle Drive toilets.

Assets and operations manager David Hopman said contractors were in the middle of refurbishing the toilets when the roof started "falling apart".

The toilets were closed immediately and a portacom was put in place.

"We basically had no choice but to close the toilets," he said.

The toilets are near the Riversdale Surf Lifesaving Club and secretary/treasurer Dave Rose has been in discussions with the council for a solution.

The options include selling some land owned by the surf club to raise funds for a possible new combined facility between the surf club and the council.

Chief executive Wes ten Hove stressed whatever option was agreed upon would not be ready before Christmas.

Councillor Judith Callaghan emphasised the importance of working with the surf club. "We should be proud of this surf club and give them the help," she said.

Councillors agreed to enter discussions about the best way to replace the toilets, and officers are expected to report back to the council in the first quarter of 2013.