THE man who created the world's smallest theatre in a former pubic toilet would like to see another toilet block turned into a work of art.

Dennis Neale, of the Theatre of Small Convenience, wants the loos in Edith Walk saved from closure to become 'arts toilets' adorned with tiles, ceramics and stained glass.

He had the idea after seeing a television programme about public toilets in Kawakawa township, New Zealand, refurbished by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser.

"It would be lovely to have a place that was nice to go," said Mr Neale.

The Kawakawa toilets, which have a grass roof, mosaic tiles, bottle glass windows and include a living tree are still used by the public and are famous world-wide.

Mr Neale is certain a similar scheme would bring tourists to Malvern.

He is no stranger to converting toilets for arts sake. In 1999, he created the Theatre of Small Convenience, the world's smallest theatre, in a Victorian toilet in Edith Walk.

He does not have the funds to buy the threatened toilet bock but said he would be prepared to chair a committee to explore its conversion.

Clive Lloyd, of Lloyds Cafe and Takeaway in Edith Walk, also wants the loos saved, as his business does not have its own toilets.

"I think it's completely out of order," he said.

"Even if the toilet opened in the day and closed at night it's definitely needed," he said.

Malvern Hills District Council's executive committee wants to close several public toilets in the area and spend £226,000 on improvements to its remaining loos.

Which toilets would close?

PLANS approved by the executive committee would see four local public toilets close.

In Malvern, toilets in Victoria Road car park would be demolished to provide additional parking.

Edith Walk toilets would either be knocked down or rented for commercial use and toilets at the Dingle, West Malvern demolished.

Loos in Upton High Street would either be sold, or locked up and only used during festivals.

The district council says it wants one decent toilet in each shopping centre and is spending £226,000 doing up toilets in Grange Road, Great Malvern, Worcester Road, Malvern Link and Barnards Green.

Toilets in Hanley Road, Upton, were recently refurbished at a cost of £70,000.

Lavatory lobby

THE five councillors that called for the debate on the executive committee's decision are Mary Wilkinson (Upton and Hanley), Philip Rumney (Priory), Patrick Mewton (Pickersleigh), Phillip Grove (Tenbury) and George Price (Tenbury).