PUBLIC toilets in Malvern and Upton will re-open within four weeks.

The Conservative group followed through on its pre-election promise when Malvern Hills District Council's executive committee met on Tuesday.

Initially, only a report was expected at the meeting with a decision being deferred until June. However, council leader Serena Croad said the matter had been prioritised.

"We had the funding identified and we asked our officers to move quickly," she said. "I am absolutely delighted the toilets will open straight away."

The toilets, in Edith Walk, Malvern, High Street, Upton, and Market Street, Tenbury Wells, were closed last spring after a controversial vote instigated by the controlling Liberal Democrat party.

The council will pump £33,650 into refurbishment and redecoration.

Head of customer and environmental services Ivor Pumfrey said although the toilets were elderly, they were decommissioned with care and could be re-opened to a reasonable standard for a realistic price.

The costs will be met from existing capital funds, with a further £24,800 taken from the council's priorities budget to pay for operation and servicing during this financial year.

All three sets of toilets are expected to be open by mid to late-June, with priority being given to Upton, which holds its Jazz Festival from June 22-24.

Upton mayor Tim Perry said he was glad common sense had prevailed, and thanked residents, traders and local groups for their support.

"It's great news for Upton," he said. "Let's get them open and then we can move forward with all the good work the district council and other groups are doing for the town."