HUNTING for a loo near a major shopping parade at Chandler's Ford could soon be a thing of the past.

Steps are being taken to re-open The Central Precinct public conveniences which have been closed since last May.

Investigations into flooding problems have revealed that the sewer is cracked and the pipe work has been infiltrated by roots from nearby trees. Now the Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee has given the go ahead to get quotations and put together a project plan to bring the toilets back into public use.

Closing the toilets has led to complaints from the public and local traders who have had to make their own facilities available to the public.

Meanwhile Councillor Godfrey Olson has called for the toilets to be carefully maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.