Councillors blocked a move to sell off the former Wilton Road conveniences, closed two years ago to save money and avoid a costly roof repair bill, until alternative provision for coach visitors is made.
And a separate proposal to reduce attendan
t cover at the St Mary's Way and Park Lane conveniences was unanimously thrown out at a meeting of the full council.
Officers have been told instead to come up with fresh proposals, such as new drop-off points, and to find savings elsewhere in the budget.
Among the councillors who raised concerns were Alison Freer (Con), town centre champion, and Ron Marks (Con), chairman of Melton Safer Communities Partnership.
Councillor Byron Rhodes (Con) described the proposal to reduce attendant cover as a 'retrograde step'. He said: "We would be taking away a frontline service which is valued by many residents of the borough. Unattended toilets get vandalised, dirty and attract unsavoury characters and this council could be brought into disrepute."
Councillor Alan Jackson (Ind) added: "The decision to close the Wilton Road toilets sparked lots of complaints and we are risking making another mistake."
And Councillor Matthew O'Callaghan (Lab) said: "We are trying to build Melton up as a tourist town and we have to invest in toilet facilities which are clean and safe."
Speaking after the full council meeting Councillor Pam Posnett (Con), chairwoman of the Community and Social Affairs Committee, said: "If we do decide to sell off the former Wilton Road loos the money must the used to replace facilities so people can come to our town and not be in discomfort."
