The toilets at the Burns Mall Shopping Centre in the heart of Kilmarnock are to receive a facelift and extended opening times.

Currently, the toilets are managed by the council between 8am and 6.15pm each day, and the facilities are closed on a Sunday.

Operation of the toilets and baby change facilities will now transfer to the Burns Mall Management and be open seven days a week, with a comprehensive improvement and refurbishment plans to be paid for by the council as part of the deal.

Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council said: "This is a good news story for the town centre and for shoppers, residents and visitors to the town.

"We have worked closely with the Burns Mall management team and listened to their needs, as well as those of the customers who shop there.

"High quality toilet facilities with opening and closing times that fit with the centre's operation make perfect sense and I'm pleased we have been able to make this happen."

Scott Darroch, centre manager of Burns Mall Shopping Centre added: "Retailers across the country face growing pressures to compete for and win customers.

"Although Internet shopping is popular, people still like to get out and about do their shopping. To touch and see before they buy.

"There is no substitute for face to face interaction and personal service as people make their purchases. To enhance that shopping experience we need to ensure Burns Mall offers modern and convenient facilities and is a place people want to visit.

"Offering access to modern and fresh facilities suited to a range of different customer needs is very important for us and I'm delighted this new arrangement has been made in such a positive way with the Council".