A DISUSED toilet block could be converted into a community shop.

East Morton Village Society is seeking permission for a change of use of the building, in the village's main road.

The public loo block was shut by cash-strapped Bradford Council, which still owns the structure.

If the shop scheme goes ahead, the premises would be manned by a team of volunteers.

Edward Batley, a village society member who is acting as agent for the planning application, said: "Because we no longer have a village shop, some members of the society felt it would be a good idea to investigate the feasibility of converting the former toilets to provide a community facility.

"The planning application is a first step – permission for a change of use would be needed from the council if the idea was to progress any further.

"Since the closure of the post office and general store the nearest shop is now the Tesco store nearly a mile away at Crossflatts.

"People certainly miss not having a shop in the village, particularly the elderly and those without transport."

The society says the scheme would not require any major external alterations to the building, which is by the bus turning circle.

Society members had helped keep the loos running but the block shut when the council withdrew its support.