A KEIGHLEY shopping centre is flushed with pride at the success of its new loos.

Thousands of gallons of water have been saved and power bills slashed thanks to the revamp of the Airedale Centre public toilets.

The £180,000 makeover saw the loo area doubled in size and new energy-efficient fittings installed.

Centre manager, Steve Seymour, said: "We looked at every part of the renovations to ensure we used high quality, long-lasting fittings that had a low impact environmentally.

"The modern no-touch cisterns use 33 per cent less water and the contactless taps can't be left running, so again reducing water waste.

"As a result, we are saving about 22,880 gallons of water a year – that's equal to about two pints of water each week for every person living in Keighley.

"We also installed energy-efficient LED lighting, which is bright but consumes much less power. Plus we have detectors along with a timer control, so when the toilets are in use, the lights automatically come on – but when customers leave, and there's nobody there, the lights go off.

"Overall, we've been able to cut our power bill by almost half.

"Taken over the next ten years, these improvements will really add up to substantial savings in both water and fuel use, which has to be good for the environment by reducing our carbon footprint.

“Spending a penny at the Airedale Centre won't cost the earth!"

The refurbishment involved an extension into an adjacent unit, with the tenant being relocated.

The new facilities include a baby changing room and access has been improved.

"The feedback from customers is the provision is the best they have seen anywhere and really nice to use," added Mr Seymour.

"The parent-toddler changing facilities have been very popular with families.

"It is vital we provide the appropriate facilities, available to dads as well as mums – it's what our customers expect and deserve.

"We know toilet facilities are very important when shoppers visit the centre."

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