WITH work set to start on major highway improvements in Ryde next week, temporary toilets are planned to be installed.

As part of the Ryde Interchange project, the current toilet block in Western Gardens on the Esplanade will be demolished after approval was granted earlier this month.

To ensure there are loos still in the popular part of town, the Isle of Wight Council wants to install temporary toilets in Western Gardens while the transport project is completed.

The authority is proposing to install them at the opposite end of the gardens to the current toilet block.

Isle of Wight County Press: The current toilet block about to be demolished.The current toilet block about to be demolished.

They would be installed over two weeks, between April and June, as trailer-based units inserted into a timber decking with wooden skirting so the bottom would not be visible.

The temporary toilets will be open from 7am to 11pm, with five women's stalls, three men's stalls, ten urinals and a disabled toilet with an access ramp and steps.

Isle of Wight County Press: The proposed temporary toilets on Western Gardens. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.The proposed temporary toilets on Western Gardens. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.

The authority says the proposal would only have limited, temporary and insignificant impact of the character of the area, and be done so in a manner sensitive to the historic and natural environment.

Concerns were raised at a planning committee meeting this month over the length of time the temporary toilets would remain at Western Gardens.

Isle of Wight County Press: Where the temporary toilets are proposed to be placed. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.Where the temporary toilets are proposed to be placed. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.

Members were assured they would not permanently remain there, only for a limited time, as new facilities are installed in the train station.

Plans for the new station are yet to be unveiled by South Western Railway although it is thought a planning application will be submitted in May with a shorter construction programme.

Isle of Wight County Press: Artist's impression of the completed Ryde Transport Interchange. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.Artist's impression of the completed Ryde Transport Interchange. Picture by Isle of Wight Council.

All aspects of the Interchange project need to be finished by April 2023 as part of the conditions stipulated in the government funding.

The project will be constructed in phases over 12 months to take into account popular Island events and to minimise disruption.